Students in the Seeley-Swan High School shop class pose around their handiwork. Shop Teacher Shawn Holmes estimated the students put in more than 30 man-hours on the Chamber barge top rebuild and painting.
SSHS Shop Teacher Shawn Holmes said the students not only learned how to tear something apart but also how to plan for all the parts to fit correctly, ensure there was enough support for the plywood and how to square the top. They also had the opportunity to weld aluminum which is not usually something they have the opportunity to do.
SEELEY LAKE – After years of deferred maintenance, the Seeley Lake Chamber of Commerce's fireworks barge has a new deck. Thanks to the work of the Seeley-Swan High School shop class and donations from several local businesses the barge is ready for another Fourth of July fireworks show on Seeley Lake.
Chamber member Jessica Kimmel thought the SSHS shop class would be a great resource to assist the Chamber with the project. After replacing two flat tires, Chamber representative Eric Hayhurst brought the barge to SSHS and met with Holmes to discuss repairs. They agreed the deck needed to be removed and replaced with a new one.
The students contacted local businesses for donations. Rovero's donated the paint; Timberline Building Materials provided the plywood; NAPA donated a new jack; and Pyramid Mountain Lumber donated the 6x6 timbers plus some dimensional lumber for the project.
The students started in April and put in more than 30 man-hours to complete the project.
"It was a great group project that all students could benefit from in every class – from painting, cutting, welding and just trying to get a proper plan," said Holmes who had 30 students this spring. "It was a great service project for the community."
"It not only benefits the residents of the Seeley-Swan Valley but all those who come to enjoy the annual event," wrote Hayhurst in an email. "A big thank you again to Shawn and his shop class! [They] did a phenomenal job."
To donate to the fireworks display, mail or drop off a check to the Seeley Lake Chamber PO Box 516, Seeley Lake, MT 59868. Make checks payable to the SL Community Foundation.
Up to $5,000 will be matched as a part of the Change Your Pace Challenge. Fireworks sponsors and dedications received by June 24 will be printed in the Seeley Swan Pathfinder's June 29 issue.
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