OGALLALA, Neb. —Students in Ogallala High School’s Woodworking Shop recently brought the district’s “Culture of Confidence” mission to life with a hands-on project benefiting Prairie View Preschool. Under the guidance of teacher Trenton Zink, the students designed and built custom cubbies for the preschool to store coats and backpacks.
The project addressed a crucial need for the preschool’s organization, with the high school students constructing open lockers for under $500—a significant savings compared to the $2,000 price tag of similar commercial options.
On delivery day, the students went beyond just installing the cubbies. They invited the preschoolers to join in creating candy machines using leftover materials. Wearing safety glasses and using small tools, the young children worked alongside their older peers to assemble the machines, which were filled with colorful M&Ms.
Once the cubbies were in place, the high schoolers helped organize the preschoolers’ belongings, fostering a sense of pride and order in the classroom. Preschool teacher Melissa Veith praised the collaboration, highlighting how the experience allowed her students to grow through the hands-on interaction with their older mentors.
For preschooler Ella Zink, the day held special significance as she welcomed her father’s class into her school.
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