FARMINGTON—It wasn’t the typical graduation ceremony with cap and gown, but it was just as significant for the men at Red Barn Academy who recently finished a culinary or welding program through Davis Technical College. Red Barn is a “two-year life-skills academy that reinvents lives broken from addiction and crime by teaching honesty, accountability and integrity in a farm setting.”

“As Red Barn was getting started, Mike Haws (director) reached out to Davis Tech about having students take some training,” said Marcie Valdez, Foundation Director Davis Technical College. “The program at Red Barn is so intensive that the men are not in a place to come to us. So Business and Economic Development created culinary and welding courses that fit the schedule here at Red Barn.”

The men in the culinary program prepared the meal for the graduation dinner held May 11. “It was fun for them to show off their skills,” she said. “The tricky piece was how to fund it. The Davis Tech Foundation Board has provided funding for the program for three years.”

After they’ve spent two years in the Red Barn program, the goal is for them to finish here and the third year choose to attend Davis Tech while staying at Red Barn, said Valdez. “It opens doors and builds their confidence to see opportunities for them. It creates a safe space where they can learn skills. It’s exciting seeing students come to Davis Tech after they finish their program.”

There are nine currently enrolled at Davis Tech and three have graduated, she said. “It’s proven to be a great partnership for these men.”

Davis Tech has an onsite welding trailer with six welding booths and state-of-the-art equipment for the students to train on. Elliott Hedgepath is the instructor. “I love coming here,” he said. “They work hard to finish it (the course). They do what is expected of them. They do a good job.”

There is also a fully equipped kitchen for culinary students to learn on. “They had really big shoes to fill,” said Chef Neil Bridenstine, who designed the program. “That first class there was really no plan, we just went for it. It was fun. I got close to the guys.”

The current class works at Sticky Bird, the Red Barn restaurant, he said. “They are paying it forward using the skills they learned in class so it goes full circle.”

It’s cool in class to see when the light bulb comes on, Bridenstine said. “That aha moment when they see an egg cooked the right way. The simplicity of it with perfect execution. If it’s not right don’t serve it. It’s a privilege to be part of Davis Tech and Red Barn.”

“What’s on my mind is the notion of gratitude,” said Davis Tech President Darin Brush at the graduation. “I’m touched by the short conversations I’ve had while having a meal together. Through all of the interactions I’ve had over the years you have demonstrated the highest integrity as an extension of Red Barn. We do what we do at Davis Tech because of you.”

 Davis Tech is fortunate to have Elliott and Chef Neil, he said. “After you finish at Davis Tech when the time is right, you’ll have the best stamp of approval to go out into the world. You are now a part of Davis Tech. You’ll be with us for this journey.”

Justice graduated from the welding program  last August and is working as a property manager at Red Barn. “This was one more added feeling of accomplishment,” he said. “You have all this guilt and shame. You’re so low. But they’re willing to take a chance on guys like that and help us to step into greatness. It built my self confidence and awareness of who I am and where I’m trying to go.”

“Red Barn saved my life,” said Adam Plummer, one of the graduates from the culinary program who helped prepare the meal. “I don’t know if I’d be here without them. I’m at peace now.”

Plummer said he jumped at the chance to better himself. “It turned into the realization that I actually really like to cook food. It feels good to serve a good plate of food. Food is like another language – you share a bond. It brings such joy.”l