A short distance away from Kenyon-Wanamingo High School lies a vacant plot of land, waiting to become a home.
That potential will soon be realized, thanks to a first-of-its-kind partnership between the district and Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat held a groundbreaking ceremony last Tuesday for a new home that will be constructed with the help of K-W juniors and seniors next year.
Construction will commence in the fall, with students working under the supervision of Habitat Construction Manager Bob Bidon, teacher Doug Thompson and local contractor Doug Kleese.
The construction site is located a short distance away from the high school, allowing students to walk down during the school day. Once complete, it will serve as the new home for a single mother and two children. The class is split into two sections, with around 15 students registered.
During the groundbreaking, Principal Matt Ryan led the class to the site, where they gathered with Habitat representatives and others involved in the project.
Superintendent Beth Giese, also in attendance, highlighted the valuable learning experience students will receive, noting the importance of the trades as a pathway for students after graduation.
“This has always been a dream of mine. Every school district I’ve ever worked in, I’ve wanted a crew just like this. My family is heavy in the trades, and we know how important that is for kids,” said Giese.
Ryan said he was looking forward to seeing students tackle a “real life, hands-on project just blocks from the school.”
According to Habitat Executive Director Bob Hawley, this will be the third home the organization has built in Kenyon, but the first to be built with the assistance of students.
Thompson, who will teach the class, said building a house has been a longstanding goal in his career. He directed the students’ attention to Kleese, who will bring his contractor experience to the class.
“You’re not going to be hearing it from a teacher. You’re hearing from somebody who has a crew that he is running every day,” Thompson told the class.
Kleese said students will know how to build a home by the end of the class, but warned it wouldn’t be easy.
“We’re going to have a great time. We’re going to work hard. I hope you’re not afraid of the rain, or the snow, or the sleet, or the sun, or anything, because we’re going to be out in all of it,” said Kleese.
As the groundbreaking drew to a close — truncated by a light but persistent rain — Bidon gathered the students around to go over his expectations for the project. He told them safety is his highest priority, but he will also have high standards for structural integrity and quality.
“If we build something wrong, we will take it apart and put it back together,” said Bidon.
Intern Brittany Mailleue of First Evangelical Lutheran Church bookended the ceremony with an invocation and benediction, blessing the project.
Hawley noted that Habitat is a Christian organization, but serves people and welcomes volunteers of all faiths.
Incoming junior Josh Estrem expressed his excitement for the project.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for young people to get started,” said Estrem.
His classmate Lukas Gullickson said he joined the class to prepare for a career in the trades.
“I never really wanted to go to college, so I figured this was the best opportunity to get into something I like,” said Gullickson.
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