Homecoming in a New Light: Branch Manager Brightens His Alma Mater
It’s not every day that a professional gets to return to their roots, especially for a project as meaningful as brightening up a high school gym in a community he grew up in. For Joe McClean, branch manager at City Electric Supply (CES) Wichita North, the chance to work on a lighting project at Rose Hill High School was more than a job — it was a chance to give back to a place he holds close to his heart.
A walk down memory lane
Rose Hill High School, located just outside of Wichita, Kansas, was where McClean spent his formative years, not only as a student but also as a football coach in the late ’90s. The school had recently been looking to update the lighting in its gym. For McClean, the opportunity to help modernize the gym’s lighting was a full-circle moment.
“I still know a lot of people who attend events there, and it’s great knowing that the work we did will benefit the community for years to come,” said McClean. He continued, “It’s a big deal to me — it feels like we’ve left our mark.”
The school gym hadn’t had a major lighting update since it was built, so when the project came to McClean, it was the perfect chance to blend his expertise with his ties to the school.
A team effort
Working closely with a representative from LEDVANCE, McClean and his team performed a lighting layout to ensure the gym would be illuminated properly. While the technical aspects of the project were challenging, particularly installing motion sensors to maximize energy efficiency, McClean’s experience ensured the installation went smoothly.
“We had some hiccups with the motion sensors at first,” McClean recalled. “The sensors weren’t picking up the lighting correctly due to the windows in the gym. We had to play with the settings, but eventually, we got everything working perfectly.”
The collaboration with LEDVANCE played a key role in the project’s success. Their relationship with CES, built over years of trust, helped make sure everything from the initial layout to the final install was top-notch.
Supporting the community
For McClean and team members, working on local projects like this is not just about business; it’s about giving back to the community that shaped them. “It’s important to support the local communities,” McClean emphasized. “I still have a farm out there, and our branch is closely tied to Wichita and the surrounding areas like Rose Hill. Helping them get things right is something we take a lot of pride in.”
Lighting the way ahead
McClean wasn’t the only CES employee with ties to Rose Hill; District Manager Billy Harmon, also attended the high school. Though Harmon didn’t directly work on the project, the connection they shared with the school made the success of the lighting project even more meaningful for the entire team.
The gym lighting project was just the start for Rose Hill High School. The success of this endeavor has led to conversations about additional upgrades, ensuring the school will continue to shine — both literally and figuratively.
As McClean reflects on the project, he beams with pride. “We did a great job, and it feels incredible knowing that we left our stamp on the place where we once walked the halls. It’s more than just lighting — it’s our way of giving back.”
At CES, it’s not just about providing products — it’s about creating lasting relationships and making a real difference in the communities they serve. With strong local ties and expert solutions, CES will continue to light up spaces, whether they be homes, businesses, or high school gyms where memories are made.