Columbia City High School Construction Trades students assisted Milestone Contractors LP in a project to honor local veterans.
The Construction Trades Career and Technical Education (CTE) students were invited to help pour a pad of concrete at an existing memorial to include space for a statue of a kneeling soldier at the Holderman Veteran Memorial Park in North Manchester.
Invited to the job site by Milestone Contractors LP, the students helped prepare, pour and stamp the concrete where the new memorial will sit.
“The excitement for us to work with real crews and see what part of the job is like is the fun part. Even if we don’t want to go into concrete, Mr. Krill has done a great job of introducing us to every part of the industry,” said Carson Henry, Columbia City High School junior.
Gee Gee Tharp, president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 286, was grateful for the help of CCHS students.
“This has been a vision for two-years. When we started talking about this project, I was introduced to Chad (from Milestone Contractors LP) and he offered to donate the material and labor and then when he invited the students it made it that much more special. My dad fought in World War II and my sons are veterans, too. This means so much to me and this community,” said Tharp.
The Construction Trades program began at Columbia City High School for the first time this year, providing opportunities to maximize their classroom experience. Formally, Construction Trades were taught in partnership with Wawassee High School. Led by former industry professional and CTE instructor Dan Krill, the program has already more than doubled in enrollment for next year.
“The support from our community to provide authentic experiences to apply the knowledge learned in our programs is essential. To know this project supports veterans means something to me personally, my dad is a veteran and this project shows it isn’t always about the money. Because of Milestone Contractors LP and the American Legion, these students can look at something for a long time and know they had a part in a project that serves the community and honors local veterans,” said Jennifer Reiff, WCCS CTE Director.
The project foundation is just the beginning. The American Legion has a goal to raise $25,000 to earn a matching grant by June 14. Donate and learn more about fundraising efforts here.
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About WCCS Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Whitley County Consolidated Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) is committed to providing innovative, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for successful careers and lifelong professional development. Our comprehensive CTE programs bridge academic knowledge with practical skills, offering students pathways to explore, learn, and excel in diverse technical and professional fields.
Our 24 pathways offer a dynamic curriculum designed to meet the evolving demands of today's workforce. Through expert instruction and industry-aligned coursework, we empower students to develop critical technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional competencies that will set them apart in their future careers.
We are dedicated to creating clear pathways that connect education with career success, helping students transform their potential into professional achievement.
For more information about our CTE programs, course offerings, and opportunities, visit wccsonline.com/o/cchs/page/career-and-technical-education.
About Whitley County Consolidated Schools
Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. Serving Columbia City and surrounding communities, WCCS believes in fostering a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and character development. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, our district offers a diverse curriculum, dedicated educators, and state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire and engage every learner. Through partnerships with families and the community, WCCS strives to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. For more information about our schools, programs, and initiatives, visit us at wccsonline.com.
Media Contact
Dr. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent mcdermottla@wccsonline.com
Kennedy Saggars, WCCS Marketing Director saggarskt@wccsonline.com