DCTS Carpentry Tiny Home Project at the Home & Garden Show
From January through the end of February, carpentry students from every grade level at DCTS participated in our second tiny home project—an exciting, hands-on learning experience that showcased creativity, teamwork, and skill.
The project was partially designed by the senior class of 2025–2026. Using an online blueprint, seniors planned the wall layout and room setup, keeping in mind a crucial limitation: The width could not exceed 8 feet to fit on a trailer. Seniors began construction by assembling the floor system, while the freshman class took on the kitchen wall. Seniors then completed the remaining walls with help from six freshmen.
When the trusses arrived, the sophomore and junior classes laid out the interior walls and trusses. Sophomores went on to finish the roof and shingles, along with two siding walls, while the freshmen completed the remaining two siding walls. Inside, drywall installation was a combined effort from freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, with finishing touches applied by all four classes. Seniors contributed to trim work, while sophomores and freshmen completed additional trim and flooring.
Cabinets were hand-built by Bryan (11th grade), Sasha (11th grade), and Sadikou (11th grade). Special recognition goes to:
- Mackenzie (10th grade) – Personally responsible for completing the roof, flooring, most of the trim, and drywall mudding.
- Mariemi (10th grade) – Worked alongside Mackenzie every step of the way, making the project’s success possible.
- Lily (9th grade) – Planned the entire interior décor, from color schemes to draperies and accents, even testing paint colors and accents at home in her free time using AI
- Annie (10th grade) – Completed the majority of the window casing.
- Brooklynn (10th grade) – Led the team that completed the two siding walls
The project was a success and was displayed at the Home & Garden Show in Harrisburg, earning numerous compliments from attendees. Though the retractable bunk beds were not finished in time, the tiny home clearly demonstrated the talent, dedication, and collaboration of all students involved.
If you are interested in purchasing this tiny home, please contact agroff@dcts.org with any offers. Any desired additions or modifications are possible.
To see photos we put together this video. (Warning there is music so make sure you are ok with sound) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j-_YGo8uySOD-OJaYlGL3QqmfuIxCquX/view?usp=vids_web
Freshman Spotlight: Lily
Lily, a freshman in the carpentry program, has already made a significant impact in a short amount of time. She has a strong interest in pursuing a future in interior design while also developing the carpentry skills needed to bring her ideas to life.
Our recent tiny home project, featured at the Builders Show, was largely influenced by Lily’s interior design vision. From color schemes to décor choices, she took ownership of the creative direction—though she’ll be the first to tell you she wasn’t completely satisfied with the bathroom paint color, proving that real design insight still goes far beyond what AI can replicate.
Lily has been a tremendous asset to both her instructor and her classmates. She regularly gives up her own free time during fifth period to ensure projects stay on track, assisting with planning, organization, and even inventory. She consistently steps up to help others, demonstrating leadership, reliability, and a genuine willingness to serve her team.
Her strong character, commitment to doing what is right, and dedication to continuous learning set her apart. We look forward to seeing how her drive and passion will shape her future in the years ahead.
Sophomore Spotlight: David
David, a sophomore in the carpentry program, is currently focused on commercial construction and framing—an area that keeps him active and engaged throughout the day. He enjoys the hands-on nature of the trade and values the opportunity to use available resources to create something meaningful.
Throughout the year, David has shown that he is capable of strong work and steady progress. More recently, he has taken encouraging steps in the right direction and continues to build momentum in both his work and daily habits. As he continues to grow, developing greater consistency and making the most of every opportunity will be key to reaching his full potential.
David has expressed interest in pursuing a co-op opportunity with Pyramid and has set his sights high outside of the classroom as well, with goals of competing in Division I volleyball.
At his core, David is motivated by a desire to become a better version of himself each day. As he continues to align his actions with that mindset, there is no doubt he has the ability to achieve success in whatever path he chooses.
Junior Spotlight: Myami
Myami, a junior in the carpentry program, joined the shop at the beginning of her sophomore year after transferring from culinary. Transitions like that can often take time, but she proved to be an asset almost from day one—something that is rare and speaks to both her ability and her mindset.
She is a quick learner with a quiet, caring spirit that shows in the way she works and supports those around her. Myami has demonstrated a strong level of responsibility and initiative, even stepping up to help lead the shop during a multi-day plaque project for the co-op program. Taking ownership of the sanding process, she worked alongside her team of juniors to successfully complete 88 plaques, which are now ready for laser engraving.
Myami has been a true asset to both her class and her instructor. She communicates thoughtfully, offering feedback when something could be improved and expressing a desire to learn more when opportunities arise. She can be trusted to step into the unknown, think ahead, and anticipate challenges before they become problems.
Whatever path Myami chooses, there is strong confidence that she will see it through. When challenges arise, she meets them with a steady mindset and a willingness to keep moving forward. Around the shop, we talk often about the idea to Press On—and Myami is a clear example of what that looks like in action.
Senior Reflection
As the year progresses, our seniors are continuing to step into the final stage of their time in the carpentry program. This stage is less about learning new concepts and more about refining skills, building consistency, and taking full ownership of their work.
A recent example of this growth can be seen in the loft project built for Mr. Miller’s shop. Designed and led by Kayliana, the project challenged students to apply skills they have already learned while also thinking critically, problem-solving, and revisiting concepts they may not have used in some time. With a nine-day timeline to complete both the loft and staircase, students were pushed to plan, communicate, and execute at a higher level.
Under Kayliana’s leadership, the team made strong early progress, completing the loft portion ahead of schedule. As the project continued, students were reminded of the importance of precision, collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making—especially when working through more complex tasks like stair construction. Even in challenges, there were valuable lessons learned, including the integration of landings and stringers and the importance of accuracy in every step of the process.
Experiences like this are what define the senior year. They provide opportunities not only to apply technical skills, but also to grow in accountability, perseverance, and attention to detail. As our seniors continue forward, the goal is for each of them to build confidence in both their abilities and their decision-making, carrying these lessons with them into whatever path they choose next. Next month pictures of the loft will be attached of the loft project.
