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“When a community comes together like this, it’s more than anyone can say thank you for,” says Superintendent Dr. Brenda Freeman.

Friday saw the official ground breaking of a new house being built on Nichols Street. Drew Seeling, Building & Construction teacher at the Wellsboro High School is spearheading this project and overseeing local students throughout construction. They will be involved in every aspect from foundation to roofing. Outside professionals will advise the students with carpentry, masonry, electric and plumbing.

Not only will students be receiving hands-on experience in trade but they will also be receiving OSHA 10 safety certifications. ThIs provides them “an opportunity to succeed right out of the gate- give them a head start,” says Mr. Seeling. This is a two and half year project that features a three bedroom, two bathroom home which will be sold. The profits of this sale hope to be put toward the next home building project.

Funding has been generously donated by individuals as well as private and public organizations. Mr. Seeling was surprised at the ease of which the community rallied behind this project and the “incredible support we’ve been getting. It’s overwhelming. It’s humbling. It’s really exciting.”

The Wellsboro Area Education Foundation is a nonprofit and has been successfully soliciting the community for support on this project. President Ferlin Patrick is pleased with the combination of education and on the job learning saying, “we don’t have enough of that in our schools these days.”

This valuable project is still in need of about $20,000 worth of materials. If you would like to donate materials or funds, please contact:
Ferlin Patrick at (570) 439-1517 or write (tax deferred) checks payable to the Wellsboro Area Education Foundation with the SkillsUSA House Project in the memo.

Drew Seeling and the SkillsUSA Club would like to thank their contributors:
August Barn Co
Blue Ridge Communications
Borough of Wellsboro
Charlie Strouse
Chips carpet and more
Christy’s Green House
Cole’s Excavating
Dave and Marilyn Seeling
David Patterson Foundation
Denney Electric Supply
Dunham’s Do it Center
Ed Vandergrift
Erb Inspections
Etner Foundation
Gold Key Equipment
Hamblin Construction
Jim Tudak
Joker’s Coal
Katies Concrete
Lowes
Packer Foundation
Paul Zinn
Penn Oak Realty
Sid Harvey’s
Sweet Foundation
Tabor foundation
The Sign Shop
Titan Sports
Wellsboro Building Supply
Wellsboro Area Education Foundation
Wellsboro Electric
Wellsboro Equipment
Wellboro Rotory Club
Wilson Supply