It’s a new school year and the Saint Louis High School Woodshop has already experienced so much. For starters, the class got a brand new upgrade, and then SLHS woodshop teacher, Phil Maxwell, received a check for $18,200 from Gratiot County Community Foundation Oct. 4.
“I have a lot of pride in what has been accomplished, and I think I am mostly proud of the commitment our students have in the program. I never thought so many students would be this interested in woodworking,” Maxwell said. “Receiving that amount of money brings great responsibility because now we need to spend it responsibly, but I am very thankful for the fund given to our shop,” he added.
“The money will go toward tool upgrades, but a good chunk of the money will be used to build a 11 feet by 20 feet shed that will be used as wood storage,” Maxwell said. “Students will receive experience in building the shed, and with the new tools, it will be a much safer environment for the students to work in,” he continued. Building the new shed will give the woodshop more room to work and a place for just the wood to be at. While the money is being put toward more upgrades for the shop, it will give the students more learning opportunities during their next big project!
Students are also enjoying the new upgrades made to the shop and are excited to see more learning opportunities. Junior Javier Anger said, “I have been in a woodshop for two years now and my favorite part is making mistakes and learning from them. The donor check will go toward getting us wood and equipment we need for future projects. I think it is a great thing for them (Gratiot County Community Foundation) to do because Mr. Maxwell is going to use it for great purposes and a great tool to help teach everyone.”
Students have expressed their excitement and appreciation for Mr. Maxwell and are excited to see where the recent grant will take the woodshop on its next project.
