Owensboro Students Learn Carpentry & Build Community

Owensboro High School did not have a carpentry class when I was a student there. From what I can remember, the closest we got to a life skills course was either Home Ec. (where we learned to sew a pillow and fry an egg) or horticulture. I loved both, but the fact that OHS has an actual elective course to learn how to build things is really, really awesome.

Also, really awesome that there are over 100 students enrolled. Students learn so much through the process, too. Math, Physics, teamwork, and general problem-solving that comes with projects like budgeting, planning, what to do when you make an oopsie, etc. They also get to make fun stuff like pickleball paddles for P.E. classes! All very practical things that will give them the tools to succeed in life.

Literally and metaphorically! They even learn the art of sales by attending Owensboro's biggest building and craft conventions. Not just selling their creations, but sharing what they do with the community. Connecting with people and representing Owensboro High School well.

I love running into Nathan Meredith and his carpentry students at events around town. He always gives me the scoop on what they are up to. Whether it be birdhouse fundraisers or their Blue Collar Breakfast Club, which meets twice a semester. Local businesses meet the group of over 20 at Dee's Diner to talk about building careers and answer questions.

Just FYI, the next one is scheduled for April 22nd at 6:30 AM. Local business owners who need skilled workers are invited to come and share summer jobs with students in attendance.

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The collaborations are where the magic happens, and we love to see it. In a Facebook post, the Owensboro Regional Farmer's Market shared, "We love partnering with OHS carpentry for the Market’s picnic tables and a soon-to-come bike rack!"

Thanks to a grant, another community project has taken over the workroom for the past week. Students are building seven blessing boxes that will be installed at various Owensboro Public Schools. They will be filled with food, non-perishables, cleaning items, and toiletries by the community for the community.

I'm super proud of these high schoolers, and I hope they are proud too. One of the coolest parts about the OHS carpentry class is that juniors and seniors can get dual credit for classes with OCTC. Those who like building enough to make a career out of it can earn a basic carpenter's certificate, setting them up for a brighter future.

So maybe you will get to hire one of these fine students for a future job. At the very least, when they have houses of their own, they will be able to repair a piece of furniture when it breaks or build cool things as a hobby. They'll also remember the importance of using their skills to help others, and that's pretty dang cool, too.

If you would like to reach out with job opportunities, have a good collaboration idea, or want to help hook these kids up with quality materials (they are looking for walnut lumber right now), please contact carpentry instructor Nathan Meredith at nathan.meredith@owensboro.kyschools.us