McKeesport HS Students Put Classroom Skills To Work, Help Classmate
McKEESPORT (KDKA) -- Students in McKeesport are using the skills they have learned in the classroom to help a fellow classmate. And it turns out; it's been a life changing experience for all of them.
The sound of hammers going strong as students from the McKeesport Area High School construction class were hard at work on a sunny October day.
"You learn a little bit of carpentry, plumbing, electrician work, a little bit of masonry. So, it's a cluster program," said Joey Wega, one of the students.
They are putting their classroom skills to work in the real world.
"We're making a ramp for a student who is in wheelchair and has trouble getting up the stairs. So, we're going to build a ramp so he can get up more easily," said Wega.
They spent Wednesday working at Nicholas Morris' house. He has muscular dystrophy, a condition that makes it difficult for him to get in and out of his home.
"There have been days where he would miss school because his wheelchair was just going through the yard," says Erin Morris, Nicholas' mother.
But now, that's changing. As students lay a foundation, dig out dirt, and get ready to pour concrete. The ramp will give Nicholas more opportunities.
"He's looking forward to not missing school. He does well academically, so he's excited that's this is getting done and even just have some more independence," Nicholas' mother says.
Over a dozen students were there, working hard to make a positive impact.
"It's a progressive thing. He's going to gradually continue to deteriorate, so it gets harder for him to even just walk the little bit," Erin says.
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But the family is thankful for the helping hand.
"We're really grateful and thankful and this has been really wonderful," Erin said.
Now that the concrete has been poured, the ramp should be ready to use in about a week.
