On March 1 a check for $10,000 was granted to the LycoCTC and SkillsUSA students from Lowe's to design and build a new gazebo in Hughesville for the Park project on Water and Main Streets.

HUGHESVILLE – “One project, many hands,” announced Mayor Walt Reed and Dean of students at the Lycoming Career and Technology Center as he introduced the new gazebo project to a room filled with community members and citizens. “This is a project that everyone can be proud of when it is finished,” he said. A presentation was made at 1 p.m. in the community room of the LycoCTC to honor the students for receiving a $10,000 grant presented to them by Lowe’s.

Community organizations recognized by SkillsUSA president, Odessa Wagner, are the Hughesville Rotary, the Greater Hughesville Merchants Association, East Lycoming School District, the American Legion, Main Street, and the Hughesville Borough. “These business partnerships will have a lasting impact in our school and community, lasting for generations to come,” Wagner said during her welcoming speech. Students can demonstrate their skills in a real world experience and maximize potential talents.

“We will do what we have to. To get it done and be proud to be working with these kids at LycoCTC,” said Peggy Wood from the Rotary as she explained the improvements made on the park area so far.

The students worked with the Hughesville Rotary to apply for the grant. Mrs. Barlett, their career counselor said the students volunteered to be involved. “We gave them some guidelines and answered questions to help with the grant,” she said.

“This is a perfect collaboration between community and school,” added Dr. Bigger, Superintendent. Police Chief Jason Gill replied how proud it is to have this gazebo to look at and for everyone to see it. “It is indeed a community project. Everybody’s involved,” he said.

Once the project is finished, it will be transported to the park area for permanent placement. It will be constructed and wired for electricity at the LycoCTC. According to grant guidelines, they have until Nov. 30 to complete the project, but the students are hoping to have it finished by the end of October in time for the Halloween parade.

The SkillsUSA students are getting ready to participate in their state competitions which will be held April 6-8. There are two sessions, morning and afternoon.

Skills USA students are:

Odessa Wagner, SKillsUSA President; Trisha Sellers – AM SkillsUSA Vice-President; Sam Leighow, AM SkillsUSA Treasurer; Zachary Moser, AM SkillsUSA Parliamentarian; Chelsea Smith, PM SkillsUSA Vice-President; Sarah Gensel, PM SkillsUSA Secretary; Dalton Helm, PM SkillsUSA Treasurer; Christa Gardner, PM SkillsUSA Reporter; Paige Swanson, PM SkillsUSA Parliamentarian, Matt Dill, student; Travis Walters, student; and John Poust, student .