Image created in Canva. Image courtesy of Fluco Journalism.

While building a Pergola, in carpentry two, next to the greenhouse; junior Oscar RiveraDeJesus uses the resources around him to carefully hit the wood panel into its designated slot. Doing this because he couldn’t find any tools that were near him and was determined to get this project done. RiveraDeJesus said, “I like this class because it helps me with my frustrations while also advancing my skills in carpentry.”

Senior Samuel Stoltz holds tightly onto the rope that holds onto an A-frame with the help of senior Talan Botkin and junior Mitch Boyer. This A-frame is a pulley system in which is held by a rope and people holding that rope; this pulley system is what makes it easy to get a wooden beam into the air. “Leadership and teamwork is important. You have to work as a team or something will fall or get injured, so being that person to take on the leadership role makes people listen more and make the work space safer,” Stoltz said.

Scaffolding is an important part of the project, so senior Talan Botkin carries pieces of it over to the building site with speed. Scaffolding is needed to get into the high spots of the building to make sure everything is properly in place. “It’s very cool to see all our hard work come together; scaffolding is essential for building plus it’s also easy to build,” Botkin said.

Junior Jackson Fields ties the rope that is attached to the A-frame which then makes it easier to put the beam on top of their built structure. Fields said, “This project is a lot more interactive while having fun and being up in the air with tools.” He ensures it won’t be going anywhere so that his classmates can safely put the beam on top of the pergola safely.

While on top of the scaffolding the carpentry class setup, junior Jordan Heatwole guided the wooden beam to fit into its precise spot. For the wood to fit they had to measure accurately and double check everything before starting. “It makes my morning so much better coming out and working. Cherico has to be one of my favorite teachers,” Heatwole said.

Nine feet in the air, junior Thomas Custer balances on the scaffolding while dropping another beam onto the structure. This being difficult because of the height and questioning the stability of the scaffolding but also the beam being very heavy and uncontrollable at times. Custer said, “These boys are really focused and reliable therefore we can successfully complete this building in a timely manner.”

Image created in Canva. Image courtesy of Fluco Journalism.

Juniors Owen Stewart and Dylan Spillman use class as an opportunity to talk, making the job go by faster. “I like hands-on classes because once you know what you’re doing, you get to just have a fun time with your friends,” said Stewart. Active electives can be challenging, but helping one another out makes the job faster, and more amusing.

Sophomore Kaiya Wrigley smells the fresh flowers. “I love going to the greenhouse because it makes it feel like Summer. It smells so good, it’s colorful, and overall has a good vibe to it,” she said. The greenhouse is open to students, and many like the appeal of the colorful atmosphere.

Junior Dylan Spillman helps set out the actively growing plants in the greenhouse. The class focused on laying out the new plants today. “I set out all of the new tomatoes we got. The way I see it, plants are mother nature’s love,” said Spillman.

Junior Robert Bunch puts up caution tape to protect the new plants. “It’s important to make sure we bring attention to protecting the seeds, we don’t want students knocking them off the table by accident,” said Bunch. The tape brings attention and caution to the plant beds, providing a barrier between the activity and the plants.

Not only do students help the plants, but they also pitch in for the more laborious duties. Senior Cole Weisenburger is pictured hanging a potted plant. “The class isn’t always just watering gardens, there’s a lot of work that goes into it. I usually try to help with the heavy lifting as much as I can,” said Weisenburger.