The habitat house lot stood vacant, a crumbled mess of gravel and concrete. Junior and senior boys from the architecture/construction science class had gathered to watch a transformation. In no time, employees from Sunflower Construction company moved in to provide a major upgrade — a new base for the next habitat construction.
Principal Mike Monaghan and industrial technology teacher Mike Wilson contacted Mr. Jamie Andrews, Project Manager of Sunflower Construction and 1992 SHS grad. They wanted to make this a learning chance for students, and he jumped at the opportunity.
“I wanted the students to know and learn they have many opportunities after graduation such as college, tech schools, and jumping right out in the workforce altogether,” said Andrews.
Mr. Monaghan appreciated the educational value the students got out of the project.
During the project the students had the opportunity to ride on the asphalt paver while they smoothed the asphalt under the houses.
The project made it easier for students to work on wiring and plumbing on the house because they can now roll under, as compared to having to work on the gravel.
Mr. Andrews’ family ties run deep in the Seaman district. His father was inducted into the district hall of fame, and he currently has students attending school here.
He adds, “It makes me happy and my heart feel good to give back to the community I grew up in and still live and work in today.”
In addition to this project, Sunflower Construction has also installed a new concrete sidewalk around the football stadium and fixed many asphalt patches and other small jobs throughout many schools in the district.