Plymouth Building Trades to unveil 34th home

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - One of Plymouth High School's most successful programs will unveil it's handiwork this weekend as the Plymouth Building Trades class holds its open house for the program's 34th home on Sunday, May 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The home is located at 937 Ohio Street in Plymouth.

The class is built entirely by area students giving them first hand experience in nearly all aspects of the construction trade.

"You get hands on experience," said Ben Smith one of the students in the program. "You learn by doing there's no doubt about that."

"You learn about putting all the things together in construction," said Jovanny Luva. "Putting up the walls, the electric, everything that puts it all together."

"They (students) can also earn college credit for the class," said P.T. McKinnis, Plymouth Building Trades instructor. "Ivy Tech offers three credits for their Introduction to Construction class for being a part of this."

They learn something else by taking part in the program.

"Team work," said Oscar Aguilar.

"It takes hard work and a lot of sweat to put a wall up," added Fabian Baca.

Many of the students plan on attending college on graduation and some look forward to having careers in construction. While all have their favorite part of the class there was one part of the build that brought some enlightenment.

"I have a lot more respect for plumbers," said Smith.

Last week the class had their recognition luncheon. Carter Lumber, Lowe's, Mid City Supply, Trim-A-Door, D.C. Garage Doors, and Espich-Siddall Plumbing all showed their continued support for the program by donating door prize items for the students.

Building Trades Students; front row l-r  Braxton Moore, Cody Bennett, Jovanny Luva, Emanual Vargas, and Stephen Abair.  middle row l-r  Chase Peters, Oscar Aguilar, Jaime Martinez and Fabian Baca.  back row l-r  Ben Smith, Jacob Segraves, Jordan Sheetz, Ian Horvath, and Donnie Boyd.