Introducing the New 9th Grade Carpentry Class
This year, we are thrilled to welcome our newest carpentry students! Over the past two months, the 9th-grade class has dived headfirst into the fundamentals of the trade. Mastering the use of basic hand tools, understanding framing techniques, and even exploring the art of whittling. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been remarkable to witness.
Not only have these students quickly adapted to the classroom environment, but they have also been a tremendous asset on a significant community project. The class has played an essential role in constructing a shed for the Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania. This hands-on experience has allowed them to apply their learning in a real-world setting, tackling tasks like reading blueprints, framing walls, setting trusses, and installing siding. Their hard work and teamwork have been vital to the project’s success, and they should be proud of all they have accomplished so far.
Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania Shed Project
The 12’x16′ shed for the Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania is the first of what we hope will be five years of meaningful projects. Started around November 17th, this project has seen students working diligently almost every day, with breaks only for Thanksgiving and Christmas. As the project nears completion, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of our students who have gone above and beyond.
Special shout-outs include Annie (9th grade). Her tireless work ethic is evident as she continues working even during lunch breaks, never yielding time when work needs to be done. David, along with his team Ava and Natalie (all in 9th grade), has shown incredible skill and determination in quickly learning how to bend aluminum for tasks, such as drip edges and door trims.
In 10th grade, Mateo has also been honing his skills with aluminum bending, particularly in wrapping the doors. From the 11th grade, Jesus and Skyler deserve recognition for completing the roof in just one day. While KingDavid and Darlyn stepped up to correct issues with the initial truss installation.
The shed is only a few days away from completion as we return to school. This milestone will allow us to shift our focus to the Builder Show project. Thank you to all the students for your sacrifice and focus—your hard work is making a real difference!
Freshmen Highlight
Annie has worked tirelessly to learn extra carpentry tasks, from mastering the use of a harness and roofing to learning how to lay out a rafter. She enjoys challenging herself by learning new skills and consistently pushes her boundaries. While she is part of an exceptional class of freshmen, Annie stands out as this month’s Distinguished 9th Grader due to her dedication to excellence and her unyielding desire to learn. Her commitment to seeing a job through and her enthusiasm for growth make her a huge blessing to her class and teacher alike!
Sophomore Highlight
Kaleb has been one of the staples of the VOPA shed project. He has participated in every field trip day and consistently stayed behind to clean up the project site, van, and classroom. Kaleb’s dedication to excellence and his desire to improve his craft make him this month’s Sophomore Highlight. His hard work and commitment to ensuring everything runs smoothly have made a lasting impact on the project and the program. Thank you, Kaleb, for setting such a great example!
Junior Highlight
Skyler has always been a huge help to the carpentry program. Starting in his sophomore year, he contributed by helping plan lessons, selecting visual aids for the workbook, and successfully completing his Labor-level Carpenter Exam—making him only the second student to achieve this milestone.
In the fireplace project, Skyler’s group is leading in both time and completion. On the shed project, he has framed and set walls and finished the roof alongside his constant partner, Jesus. Skyler’s dedication, work ethic, and willingness to tackle hard tasks without complaint make him this month’s Junior Highlight. His consistent work and sacrifice have been a blessing to the carpentry program. Thank you, Skyler, for all that you do!
Senior Highlight
Tyquan has been on co-op all year and was recently asked to speak at the school board about his experiences. He began working for Lobar Associates last summer and has continued with them this year. Tyquan’s journey into carpentry is unique—he was not originally part of the program but transferred in his junior year from Small Engines because of his growing interest in the trade.
Tyquan has proven to be a quick learner who enjoys hard work. His contributions and dedication have made him an asset to both DCTS and his employer. Tyquan, keep up the amazing work—you will go far and achieve greater things than you can possibly imagine!
