Walter W. “Billy” Blain of Mount Olive is cruising through retirement – cruising for a cause, that is. Having served as owner, CEO, and president of The Blain Company, he is giving back to his community through career-development and mentorship programs. For the past eight years, Mr. Blain has been working with Mount Olive Ministries’ Robotic Program and Grace Christian School’s STEM Program (Toothpick Bridge, Solar Panel Car Racing, and Water Rocket).
Mr. Blain graduated in the top one-fourth of his class from Louisiana State University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he joined the family-owned highway construction company and material production company. For 42 years, Mr. Blain worked at the company founded by his father, the late W. W. Blain, Sr.
As an example of the “American dream” story, the retired businessman is now sharing his success through serving as coach, instructor, and mentor to a group of eager students. His educational and career background immensely impacted the Robotic Program. In 2011-12, Mr. Blain served as one of the Robotic coaches when the students won the FLL (First Lego League) State Competition. In 2013, Mr. Blain was one of the coaches for Purple Thunder Robotic Team that won the FTC (First Tech Challenge) state competition and advanced to the World Robotic Competition.
Recently, Mr. Blain has been working with GCS’ STEM programs by teaching civil engineering principles on the chalk board and through building toothpick bridges. During the building of Toothpick Bridge, Mr. Blain exposed the students (6, 7, and 8 grade students) to algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. According to Greg Harper, 7th and 8th grade teacher, “These students are blessed to have Mr. Blain teaching advanced math and making it so easy to learn by working with their hands.” Mr. Harper said that he wished he had been exposed to STEM education when he was a student.
Mr. Blain also accommodates GCS by hosting the students at his local residence where they can launch their water rockets. He facilitates the project by organizing the launch, directing the calculation of the rocket distance, and giving leadership to the water measurement for the rockets.
“The staff at GCS has been gracefully lecturing our students on the value of having Mr. Blain give himself to them,” stated Tony C. Duckworth, President of Mount Olive Ministries. “Mr. Blain is not only a friend to me, but also a major asset to the advanced mathematic teaching of the STEM projects.”
Mr. Blain’s contributions have led to many GCS students currently enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi, The University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Mississippi College, William Carey University, and Jones County Junior College. We salute Mr. Walter W, “Billy” Blain, for his faithful and consistent volunteer services to Mount Olive Ministries. If you would like to sponsor one of our STEM projects or volunteer, please contact Tony C. Duckworth, Sr.
