Joseph Pratt
When time and weather work together, they can leave disastrous effects on man-made objects. Upkeep can be expensive and, as we often see in the area, sometimes things go wrong. There isn’t always funding for repairs on public, as well as private locations, but that isn’t a matter when the students of Scioto County Career and Technical Center (SCCTC) hear about it. They’ve proven their dedication to service once again, with the construction of a new feature for Highland Head Start, as well as a few other odd projects.
Students in the masonry program of SCCTC often involve themselves in community projects, just as students in any of the school’s programs do. Students have repaired cemetery walls and more over the program’s course, and recently began working on a newly constructed, attractive sign for an area school.
Director of Highland Head Start Carla Womack contacted the SCCTC’s masonry students about her school’s need for a new sign.
The school’s old, wooden sign had rotted and fallen over, leaving the grounds looking a bit shabby. The students jumped on the job and were heavily involved in the project— from the planning period through the completion of the construction.
Larry Moore has been an instructor at SCCTC for 13 years, where he leads the students through these types of projects.
“I enjoy community service projects because it gets the students out of the classroom and in the field,” Moore said. “While helping organizations and people in need. The students are able to come out and perform a good service for the community, but also take something from it as well.”
Womack said that SCCTC was quick to help. She also said it was a nice opportunity for the staff to be reminded of the mission of the school, since a few of the 16 students had been raised in the program.
“We really appreciate the technical students and the school doing this for our program. Mr. Moore has been great and I’m sure the students are learning from this in many ways,” Womack said. “We found out that several of the students are past (Highland) Head Start students. They were excited when recalling the Head Start center they attended and their teachers. This is a win for both programs.”
Students studying building property maintenance have also been busy with community service projects.
Recently, Matt Perkins, Valley Pee Wee Football Board member, contacted Principal Kyle Copley about the need for an equipment storage building for his program. Valley Pee Wee Football Board provided the materials for a 16 x 36 building and the students began work, which will soon house all of group’s important supplies. The school’s industrial maintenance students also got involved in the project and it should be completed this month.
Copley said that any non-profit needing assistance can call and ask for information, but time is often limited.
“We’re very, very proud of our programs that give back to the community,” Copley said. “Our students and instructors do a fabulous job.”
Reach Joseph Pratt at 740-353-3101, ext. 1932, or by Twitter @JosephPratt03.
