Industrial Tech Teacher Mark Bacus, eight Construction Trades II students and Habitat for Humanity Project Manager Chet Goematt are a couple of months away from completing their second Habitat for Humanity home in Bussey.
“This partnership brings many rewards, benefiting both the students and the community in meaningful ways,” said Bacus.
Bacus, who returned to the district three years ago to teach after dedicating more than twenty years to buildings and grounds, reached out to Habitat to Humanity about the possibility of students gaining work-based learning experience. It turned out to be perfect timing because Habitat for Humanity had just secured grants to build homes in smaller communities like Bussey.
Last year was the first opportunity for Bacus and the students to work with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat has a “hand up, not a hand out” model. Homes are built in partnership with families who have a need for housing. Families purchase their homes and pay a zero-interest mortgage back to Habitat. For the students, it was extra special because the home they helped build was a home for Twin Cedars business teacher, Sharla Johnson.
This year, junior and senior students Dallas Smith, Kaden Kloster, Jud Beary, Braxton Davis, Chance Reed, Tristen Lang, Teagen McDanel and Owen McCarty are onsite. Before going onsite to work on the house, Bacus reviewed items that the students learned in Construction Trades I as well as safety protocols including OSHA.
Bacus and the students work on the house over two class periods after lunch. Habitat for Humanity and Project Coordinator Chet Goematt provide all of the supplies and guidance. The students began working on this year’s house after the basement was poured, contributing to the framing, windows, and siding. They work in conjunction with other contractors such as plumbers and electricians and support whatever is needed to get to the finish line.
The group is on track to have this year’s house completed in March and look forward to being part of the reveal.
Throughout the process, students gain invaluable skills that will benefit them in any future career, whether they choose to pursue the trades or not. Out of the group of eight students, more than half have expressed interest in pursuing a related career after high school.
Bacus concluded, “I’m excited for the students because they are gaining real-world skills, plus being a part of giving back to the community. It will be something that they always remember.”