Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Students Create “Ice Cream House” Dream Playhouse for Rosemary’s Wish Kid
Providence, RI – In a significant display of skill and community service, students from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School’s (GNBVT) electrical and carpentry programs have crafted an “Ice Cream House” for Hailey. This contribution to Rosemary’s Wish Kids Inc., an initiative aimed at bringing joy to sick children through custom playhouses that aligns with a child’s three interests, highlights the incredible impact of vocational education and student initiative.
The “Ice Cream House” stands as a testament to the dedication, creativity, and technical prowess of the students involved. GNBVT participated for the first time in this heartwarming project, they have set a high bar for future contributions, embodying the spirit of giving and the power of practical skills to make a real difference in the community.
Jeff Fortin, a teacher of the carpentry program, who led this project shared, “Seeing our students apply their skills to create something as special as the ‘Ice Cream House’ for Hailey has been incredibly rewarding. It’s projects like these that not only teach valuable hands-on skills, but also impart lessons of compassion and community service. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”
Jeff Wildrick, who oversees vocational programs in Academy A and Outside Construction Projects said, “This project has been an experience of a lifetime. It’s profoundly awesome to not only showcase the remarkable talents of our students and teachers, but to do so in a way that impacts lives. This synergy of learning and growth is what makes our community truly exceptional.”
Superintendent-Director Michael Watson attended the event and said, “We often speak about the importance of skills training in vocational education, but it’s projects like the ‘Ice Cream House’ that truly showcase the heart behind our curriculum. Watching our students pour their talent and compassion into creating something so magical for Hailey reaffirms the value of our programs far beyond the classroom. It’s not just about building a playhouse; it’s about building character, empathy, and a sense of community. This is the embodiment of what we strive to achieve at GNBVT, and seeing the impact this project has on both Hailey and our students is truly inspiring.”
This initiative not only benefits the children who receive these wonderful playhouses, but also enriches the students’ educational experience, providing them with a unique opportunity to apply their learning in a way that significantly touches the lives of others while aligning with GNBVT’s core values of preparation, passion, and perseverance.