Article and Photos by Marty Proctor, South Lake Tablet
On Friday, August 26 the SLHS Construction Academy broke ground on their newest home building project in Mascotte. The house will be built during this school year by a team of 10 students with guidance and help from local professionals. The program is in its third year. The home started today will join another home built in this area of Mascotte. Last year’s home is located next door and is nearly ready for occupancy.
Jared Fullerton, the construction teacher at South Lake High School shared these thoughts. “We’re out here doing our groundbreaking today for our third Habitat for Humanity house. We have 10 students that were selected to be part of this program. Throughout the school year they’re going to be building a house from the ground up for a family here in Mascotte. So I’m super excited to bring them into this and teach them about the great careers there are in construction. I’m really looking forward to May when we turn this house over to the new family.”
Steve Benson, the principal of SLHS continued, “we are just proud of our students and this opportunity. We’re glad that they can do something that’s a real-life skill that matters in their community. The program showcases the great things that we have at Southlake High School.” He went on to thank their business partners, Habitat for Humanity and the Lake County School District.
Kevin Thompson, one of the assistant principals at SLHS highlighted his support, “I’m over the CTE department which covers construction. I’m here to support the students, the teacher and the program. We work to make sure they’ve got everything that they need to be successful. This carries through every phase, from the very beginning when they walk in the door on day one in Construction 1 all the way to a program like this where they’re building houses.”
Annamarie Reno, Mascotte City Manager, joined in the well-attended event. “I love seeing the community come together. I love seeing Habitat work with Groveland and Mascotte, the partnership. The best thing is at the end of it we’re going to have a new home in our community. There is going to be a family that needs it. The kids get to learn from constructing the home and a family is going to benefit at the end. It’s a win-win for everybody.” Other notable attendees were Evelyn Wilson and Mike Smith, current Groveland City Council members and candidates for mayor.
The names of the students selected from the Construction Academy to participate in the build are: Esmeralda Larios, Mitrell Walker, Adulfo Jimenez, Tyler Mason, Jacob Gruden, Julian Pacheco, Colton Smith, Jeremie Clark, Parker Dean, Mason McCabe
The Building Construction Technologies Program is a comprehensive program that covers construction industry skills including basic hand tools, power tools, blueprints, masonry, carpentry, cabinet installation, roofing, plumbing, HVAC systems, employability, and human relations. This program of study naturally integrates mathematics and science as used in industry.
The Building Construction Academy provides certification through The Home Builders Institute (HBI) in a variety of areas that interest the student. The Home Builders Institute (HBI) is the nation’s leading educational resource for career technical education in the building industry. Through the Building Construction Academy, HBI provides its students with the skills and experience they need for careers in residential construction. All students will be able to receive certification in HBI PACT Core which lays the foundation for a successful construction career. This certification meets the requirements of most employers for an entry-level position.
After receiving PACT Core, students will be able to receive certification in Carpentry, Masonry or Building Construction Technology. Industry certification shows potential employers that you are serious about a career in construction and often leads to higher starting wages.
