Back in September of 2024, the Logan Town Center Committee contacted Mr. Abram, Logan High School Industrial Technology Teacher. They asked if the Welding Class would construct a four-foot steel sphere to be lowered on New Year’s Eve during the town celebration. The ball was to be weather resistant, portable, and lighted. The other caveat was that it would be decorated with thousands of dollars worth of hand-blown glass from Jack Pine Studio. With the added efforts of Mr. Bookman and the Technology Education students, Logan High School was able to deliver!
The ball was modeled in engineering and then cut and welded in the welding lab. Mr. Bookman’s classes helped with design, wiring, and commemorative laser cut rings. Construction took place over a three month period with the glass being delivered in mid-December. Several students came in during Winter Break to help. Slaymaker Rentals provided a 50’ telehandler to hoist the ball high over the excited crowd. The ball was lowered on New Years Eve in downtown Logan to ring in the new year. Video
The ball contained over 120 feet of steel rod, 150 LED lights, and 300 feet of wiring. The students responsible for the main construction were also on hand to lower the ball and light the 2025 . The event team of Keegan DeLong, Noah Jennice, Noah Markin, and Drew Beiter braved freezing temperatures and rain to orchestrate the inaugural event. While Dec 31 marked the end of a project; Jan 1 marked the beginning of a New Year of possibilities.
The Technology Education Department is thankful for this once in a lifetime hands-on educational opportunity to contribute to the legacy of Logan.