Not many students can say they built a home in high school, much less two.
But students from The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy managed just that as they dedicated their second home to the Holbrook family Friday in Bushnell.
“I think we are changing these kids’ lives by giving them the opportunity for the future,” said VHS principal Rob Grant to the crowd. “Not just to be part of a class, but to be part of building a home and be a part of a tradition.”
Eight homes have been built in total by the academy over a six-year period.
Each home is built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. The other house was built in Wildwood and the keys were handed over to the family on April 23. The students split their time between the two homes.
Michael Holbrook and his nephew, Noah Holbrook, received the keys to their new home during the dedication. Michael only had one word going through his mind as he stood in front of his new home.
“The word is overwhelming,” Michael said. “It’s like when you have so many thoughts going through your brain that you don’t know what to process at the time. It feels more real now than it did a month ago. It’s really great to see how far along its come and I can’t wait to appreciate it as time goes on.”
The 15 seniors were split into either afternoon or morning classes to work together on the homes. During each project, the students build practically everything in the house, from hanging drywall to putting up roof trusses, hanging the siding and painting. Students also interact with and learn from contractors who do the work that requires having a license.
“I think the one word that summarizes this group is family,” said Bruce Haberle, Construction Management Academy instructor. “They work together like family.”
Students get hands-on experience during the project, which can aid them after high school with industry certifications they earn through the academy.
“After working out in the heat, under the sun all fall and winter, it’s really rewarding to give it to people who earned it,” said Thatcher Clarke, an academy senior.
Clarke plans to eventually become an architect.
He is thankful for the community and the partners who helped on the projects throughout the year with them.
“I’m just very thankful for all the support,” Clarke said. “We’re pretty good and people support us. They help us a lot. They put us in a place where we can succeed.”
The home ownership program of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter enables working families the ability to get a loan for an affordable home where they can live but have struggled to acquire.
“This is what Habitat is all about,” said Brad Weber, Citizens First Bank executive vice president, who also sits on Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter’s board of directors. “It’s about clean and safe housing for everybody. Everybody deserves a clean and safe roof over their head and a place they can call home.”
The families who receive homes through Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter still have to pay the loan on the home, but have been coached by Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter on home ownership and through the “sweat equity” section of the program.
Sweat equity refers to the value of work performed in lieu of payment.
Members of the family who are receiving the home perform volunteer hours through Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter to help earn their home.
“They’re not given this home,” Weber said. “They’ve earned this home through their hardwork and they’re going to pay for this home. This isn’t a handout, this is a help up that we provide for well-deserving families in our community.”
The Holbook family received many gifts to use in their new home including a Bible, a box of tools and an American flag.
Michael said the first thing he’ll do in his new home is “rest,” then maybe have a barbecue in the backyard at some point.
“There is so much to do once everything is finalized and we’re moved in,” Michael said. “I really look forward to that moment where you sit down and say to yourself ‘This is where I live, this is home,’ and where you feel that way.”
There are currently 36 juniors in the Construction Management Academy. They will become seniors next year and will start working on homes. They will be the largest class of seniors the academy has had.
“We’re thrilled on where the program is going,” Haberle said. “I figure I started with eight students, and we now growing to have 50 plus. I’m glad the kids are excited about it and talking about it. Hopefully, we’re making an impact on the community.”
Staff writer Garrett Shiflet can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5367, or garrett.shiflet@thevillagesmedia.com.