Benson Polytechnic High School Alumni Association

I graduated from Benson in 1981.  While I was there I learned everything from reading a tape measure to personal finance to how to weld and a love for learning. I even got to play drums in a few rock and roll bands. I learned about ironwork from Mr. Vinje and Mr. Flannagan while at Benson. They showed us that iron work was more than just sheet metal. I also set my sights on college while I was there and took advanced college prep work. I earned a degree at PCC and a bachelors in Anthropology at the University of Oregon. Spent 15 years as a Federal Archaeologist in Idaho and all of eastern Oregon. Always kept up with ironwork and changed my careers in 2000.  Now I run an ornamental iron work and traditional blacksmith shop here in Portland. I deal in historical restoration and teach traditional iron work. I have met many people who if they were competing for a job and the boss found out they went to Benson, then they got the job over the other person. With that in your resume an employer knew that you had learned more than most Portland high school students and would be able to handle the job. Glad to be here and would like to help out. I would like to see Benson back to it’s place as a Polytechnic school again and help train those young folk with a quality education they can use anywhere in the world. I can be reached via my web site at http://www.whitehartforge.com