Whitko Career Academy Students Build Ramp For Larwill Family Affected By ALS
March 6, 2021 at 1:23 a.m.
Whitko Career Academy Students Build Ramp For Larwill Family Affected By ALS
By Staff Report-
In February, a representative from the local chapter contacted the Whitko School Board and asked if the students could help build and install a ramp for the Metcalf family, according to a news release from Whitko. Often those affected by ALS lose their ability to walk and the unfortunate reality is that one day the ramp may be needed to assist a wheelchair.
Whitko School Board President Lynn Studebaker explained how the project came about. He said, "When I saw ALS Association Indiana Chapter's Care Service Coordinator Shauna Smith's request on social media searching for a construction crew in Whitley County who could build a ramp for her disabled client who was diagnosed with rapidly progressing ALS, I thought of our construction trades class at WCS and Mr. Messmore right away. I immediately inquired where the family was located in Whitley County, and was thrilled when she responded, ‘Larwill.’ It seemed like a serendipitous match for our WCA construction trades students and a family in need in our community. Mr. Messmore was enthusiastic about helping as soon as Mrs. Smith contacted him. Building projects that allow our students to truly improve and impact the lives of others – what could be a more meaningful way to learn? Hats off to Mr. Messmore and his caring students on a job well done!"
Students Adelynn Engle, Zac Traxler, Ethan Gilbert, Sam Lozier, Jordan Williams, Austin King and Devin Ulshafer worked together to make the project possible within four days, passing both inspections without any flaws according to Brent Messmore, the release states.
“I was really proud of how they as a team stepped up and decided to take the funds we had received from other jobs and donations and share that with the Metcalfs so they wouldn’t have any out of pocket costs,” said Messmore.
The local chapter gave them $500 toward the ramp, and the remaining $250 for the project came from the students.
Case worker Shauna Smith contacted Messmore through a text and wrote, “WOW!!!! Is the family happy? It looks great tome, how can we ever say thank you enough?”
The Metcalfs have expressed their thanks to the students for their assistance with the ramp project and have extended an invitation to possibly return at another date to help build a second ramp to be installed as a part of the Metcalf family’s front deck later in the year.
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In February, a representative from the local chapter contacted the Whitko School Board and asked if the students could help build and install a ramp for the Metcalf family, according to a news release from Whitko. Often those affected by ALS lose their ability to walk and the unfortunate reality is that one day the ramp may be needed to assist a wheelchair.
Whitko School Board President Lynn Studebaker explained how the project came about. He said, "When I saw ALS Association Indiana Chapter's Care Service Coordinator Shauna Smith's request on social media searching for a construction crew in Whitley County who could build a ramp for her disabled client who was diagnosed with rapidly progressing ALS, I thought of our construction trades class at WCS and Mr. Messmore right away. I immediately inquired where the family was located in Whitley County, and was thrilled when she responded, ‘Larwill.’ It seemed like a serendipitous match for our WCA construction trades students and a family in need in our community. Mr. Messmore was enthusiastic about helping as soon as Mrs. Smith contacted him. Building projects that allow our students to truly improve and impact the lives of others – what could be a more meaningful way to learn? Hats off to Mr. Messmore and his caring students on a job well done!"
Students Adelynn Engle, Zac Traxler, Ethan Gilbert, Sam Lozier, Jordan Williams, Austin King and Devin Ulshafer worked together to make the project possible within four days, passing both inspections without any flaws according to Brent Messmore, the release states.
“I was really proud of how they as a team stepped up and decided to take the funds we had received from other jobs and donations and share that with the Metcalfs so they wouldn’t have any out of pocket costs,” said Messmore.
The local chapter gave them $500 toward the ramp, and the remaining $250 for the project came from the students.
Case worker Shauna Smith contacted Messmore through a text and wrote, “WOW!!!! Is the family happy? It looks great tome, how can we ever say thank you enough?”
The Metcalfs have expressed their thanks to the students for their assistance with the ramp project and have extended an invitation to possibly return at another date to help build a second ramp to be installed as a part of the Metcalf family’s front deck later in the year.
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