Nashoba Valley Technical High School

Jenna Metzler of Lowell is Nashoba Tech's nominee for the Massachusetts Vocational Association’s Non-Traditional Student Award.
Each technical school nominates a student who is enrolled in a technical program that is not considered traditional to their gender. The nominee must show commitment to success with above-average grades, good character and leadership and involvement in community activities.
Jenna, daughter of Melissa Metzler, is in the Carpentry program and is a member of the Advisory Board for Carpentry. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. She competes for the volleyball and lacrosse teams and is the team manager of the ice hockey team.
“It’s an honor to be selected out of the numerous non-traditional students at Nashoba Tech,” Jenna said. “As the daughter of a single mother, I know I have made my mother proud in my choice of carpentry as a trade. And I also know that she is very proud that I have done so well in it considering the bravery needed to be a woman in a male-dominated trade. She says I am smashing glass ceilings with my hammer, and she is right.
“I often find myself sharing my personal views as a woman in a male-dominated trade with the children I care for by getting them out of their comfort zone, focusing on achieving their dreams, and telling them that career has no gender and they can do anything they please if they are determined to do so,” she added.
Though skilled at carpentry, Jenna said she plans to complete her Associate’s degree at Middlesex Community College, then transfer to Plymouth State University to major in a field regarding children.
“I have been told that I have a knack for social work and a place in my heart for helping at-risk and low-income youth,” she said. “Since carpentry is still a passion of mine, I plan on keeping it as a side job throughout college.”