Pinhawk Club: Restoring Vintage Pinball Machines and Fostering a Community of Innovative Thinkers

In basements across the country, old pinball machines can be found as relics of a bygone era that is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Inspired by these vintage machines, Winona Area Learning Center teacher Matthew Wagner decided to start a new club for his students called the Pinhawk Club. The club’s main goal is to restore broken pinball machines to working order, with the intention of auctioning off their first fully-restored machine to raise funds to support the club’s activities.

During an interview with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer, Wagner and high school junior Corey Duncan, a student member of the Pinhawks club, discussed their passion for pinball machine restoration and the impact the club has had on its members. The conversation highlighted the importance of hands-on learning experiences and how the club has brought together students with a shared interest in vintage gaming.

The Pinhawk Club provides its members with valuable skills and knowledge in electrical engineering, mechanics and computer science. By working together to restore old machines they are not only learning how these machines work but also developing their problem-solving skills. This kind of hands-on experience is crucial for young minds as it helps them develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well in their future careers.

The Pinhawk Club has brought together students from different backgrounds and interests, creating a sense of community within the school. It has become a safe space where students can express themselves creatively and learn from each other while having fun. The club’s success is not only due to its leader Matthew Wagner but also because of its dedicated members who bring their passion and enthusiasm to every meeting.

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