Some people work better with their minds while others work with their hands but some students like senior Dakota Sheaffer excel using both.

Sheaffer is one of a few students that participate in the off-campus Cumberland-Perry Area Vocational Technical School (CPAVTS), specifically the Precision Machine Technology program.  While taking all the same classes as a regular full time student, Sheaffer participates in NTHS (National Technical Honor Society), and NHS (National Honor Society), SkillsUSA, and he also maintains a part-time job at Wenger Meats and Ice.

Sheaffer was recently recognized by the school for being awarded “Student of the Quarter” by CPAVTS for his accomplishments in Precision Machine Technology 3.

Recently Periscope got a chance to catch up with Sheaffer and ask him a few questions.

What does Precision Machine Technology entail?

“Precision Machine Technology includes precision layout, working with hand tools, running saws, running surface grinders, running milling machines, and learning to program, setup,and run machines.  Also working with tight tolerance anywhere from .001” to .032”.

What do you like about it?

“I like it because it is hands on.  It also uses a lot of math which I like because I’m good at it.”

What are you most proud of?

“I would be most proud of being the top student  in the class.  I’m the only student right now to be advanced in the program with four certifications,which I can get about four more.”

What do you look to for inspiration for projects?

“I look all around me for inspiration.  I look at all the people behind me and I want to do well for them as well as myself.”

What made you want to join the Precision Machine Technology class?

“When I was younger, I would go to work with my dad (he is also a machinist), and I liked what he did.  I decided that’s what I wanted to do.”

Is the class harder since it is located at the Cumberland-Perry Vocational Center?  If so, why?

“I wouldn’t say it’s hard just because it’s there.  We don’t have the program here at Carlisle so I had to go down there.”

What are your plans for after high school?  Is this something you wish to continue?

“I’m going to go to work after high school.  I wish to work in a machine shop running the machines, setting them up, and maybe writing programs for them.”