Sean,
I learned to fly with a Jensen Ugly Stik. I've had three of them over the years and they all flew great.
I think they're the perfect airplane to learn on because after someone learns to fly with it they have
an airplane that can actually do something other than just putt around the sky like most trainers.
I actually competed in a pattern contest with my second one when my pattern ship was down for repairs.

The original Stik used full length spruce spars in the wing without any dihedral brace which if you
use Monokote is not strong enough. The wing was designed to be covered with silk or nylon which
becomes part of the structure and makes the wing strong, so if you choose to use Monokote be sure
to add dihedral braces. ( don't ask me how I know this !! )

Good luck

tommy s