At the beginning of a semester, Mark Majors (the shop class instructor at Union County High School) asks the students what sort of projects they want to work on in their class. They need to identify a problem, brainstorm solutions choosing the best one and then implement that solution. It is a group decision. These students decided to team up with the TN Valley Coalition for the Homeless (TVCH).

The clients in the TVCH program have all experienced chronic homelessness, and when they move into their new homes, they do so with very few personal belongings. The students decided to build storage boxes that these folks could use for their personal items. They decided to call them “Faith Boxes”. It’s something practical yet meaningful for individuals embarking on a new chapter in their lives.

The boxes are beautiful, sturdy, and well-constructed. When I entered the shop, Madison Goings was carefully staining the lumber that would later be assembled into one of the boxes. She enjoys creating and working with her hands, and this project is right up her alley. The class goal is to complete a total of 20 boxes before the end of the semester.

Students in previous classes have built sheds – large sheds. You can see them at most of the schools in Union County. The shed this class is working on is earmarked for the softball team. Bryce and Darren were working on trusses for the roof when I stopped by. They worked carefully, methodically. But they clearly knew what they were doing. Mr. Majors is there to offer guidance, suggestions, and ideas, but these kids own their projects.

And then there is the student builders competition! More than 200 East Tennessee high school students compete in the annual Builders Exchange of Tennessee's High School Construction Skills Competition. Each school is provided with lumber, all necessary building materials, and a blueprint. Each school is timed. They have 2 hours and 45 minutes to build the project. Judging is based on the quality, efficiency, cleanliness, safety, and overall construction quality of the project.  And they are also evaluated against industry and safety standards. Derick Nicely, Daniel Nicely, Brayden Daniels, and Bradley Douglas are UCHS students who competed this year.

This class is one of several Career and Technical (CTE) classes offered at UCHS. The classes are examples of work-based learning, to enable students to graduate with employable skills that prepare them for success. In fact, students may work half days during the school year for credit, and the school plays a key role in helping them secure employment at various businesses, such as Clayton's.