“When I first got here, it was just concrete and dirt, and now it is starting to become a house. It’s crazy!” said Kennedy Junior, Rylan Sullivan. “It’s still kind of hard to believe that we are building a complete house.”
Work is underway on CRCSD’s 52nd student-built house. Since 1974, the Student Built Program has provided students with hands-on experience in the construction trades through a year-long house-building project. This year’s home, a ranch-style design, is located at 3510 Fitzroy Road in Hiawatha. Students from Jefferson, Kennedy, and Washington High Schools all participate in the construction project by attending either a morning or afternoon class on the job site. Students get to experience working with local trade experts in various aspects of home building.
“I hope to join the trades after high school, taking this class helps me get a better feel for it,” added Jefferson Senior, Lincoln Dukes. “It’s fun, and I have been learning a lot.”
The house is up for sale, and once complete, the students will hold an open house for the community to come see the finished project.
