For Jarad Bowman, success isn’t measured in test scores or college acceptance letters. It’s found in the feeling of stepping back and seeing something real, something lasting, something he built with his own hands. Some students love the written word, others thrive in science labs, but for Jarad, it’s all about working with materials, tools, and the satisfaction of creating something from nothing.

He’s spent his high school years refining his skills—helping construct theater sets for Byron’s productions, working on a new can bin for the Foundation of Educational Excellence, and embracing every opportunity to develop hands-on expertise. He doesn’t just like the trades—he loves them. The process, the effort, the way each cut, measurement, and placement has a purpose—it’s a craft, and he’s fully dedicated to it.

Jarad has never been someone who just watches from the sidelines. When there’s work to be done, he wants to be in the middle of it, figuring out how things fit together, solving problems, and building something that will last.

He first discovered his love for construction and hands-on work through classes that allowed him to step beyond theory and into real-world applications. It was here that he realized how much he enjoyed working with his hands, understanding how things are built, and seeing a finished project come to life. It didn’t take long for him to see that this wasn’t just a hobby—it was a future.

That realization was reinforced by his trades teacher, someone who showed him not just how to build, but why the work matters. Having a teacher who truly understood the craft, who had lived and worked in the field, made all the difference. Learning from someone who shares your passion has a way of making everything click.

Math, for example, took on an entirely new meaning for him. While some students struggled to see its practical applications, Jarad saw math as a key tool in his trade work. Geometry, measurements, calculations—they weren’t just numbers in a textbook. They were essential to building structures that were strong, level, and functional.

It wasn’t just about learning how to do something—it was about understanding why each step mattered.

Jarad knows that not everyone is drawn to a four-year college path, and he believes that the trades are an incredible opportunity for those who want to work hard and create something tangible. Skilled workers are in demand now more than ever, and he sees an industry full of opportunity for those willing to put in the effort to master the craft.

That’s why he’s choosing to enter the trades, following a path that excites him and offers a fulfilling, hands-on career. The world will always need builders, problem-solvers, and skilled tradespeople, and Jarad is eager to be part of that movement—to contribute to a world that’s stronger because of the people who construct it.

It’s a perspective that’s easy to overlook in a world that often prioritizes college degrees over vocational training, but Jarad sees things differently. He knows that choosing the trades isn’t a second choice—it’s his first choice. And it’s the right one for him.

Reflecting on his time at Byron, Jarad is most grateful for the people who shaped his experience. His teachers, his classmates, the projects that pushed him beyond his comfort zone—each played a role in helping him find his passion and prepare for what’s ahead.

The high school experience isn’t the same for everyone, and Jarad’s was defined not just by traditional academics, but by discovering what truly excites him. He thrived in hands-on projects, in problem-solving, and in knowing that his work made a difference.

He hopes other students find the same sense of purpose that he did—whether it’s in the trades, in academics, or in something entirely different. His message is simple: Do what you love, and commit to it fully.

For Jarad, that means a future spent building, creating, and contributing to the world in a way that makes a lasting impact.

He’s not just working with his hands—he’s shaping the world around him. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.