What began as a classroom project has become a source of pride for Herrin High School Construction Trades students who recently completed and delivered a custom doghouse for the Herrin Police Department's K-9 officer.

"It was really fun to build, and I learned a lot of stuff from it," says junior Scotty Reynolds, who worked on nearly every aspect of the structure. "There is some sort of pride that goes into it."

Senior Skyler Matier, who helped with the walls and metal roofing, agrees: "It's a lot better than just taking tests and seeing a letter grade. You get to actually see what you did and see the progress."

The project, funded by the Herrin Police Department and constructed entirely by students under the guidance of instructor David Jordan, took about two months to complete. The structure is more of a "condo" than a typical doghouse, featuring a main enclosed area, a front porch that will receive fencing, and mesh around the roof area for ventilation while keeping out insects.

When police officers came to collect the finished doghouse a few weeks ago, students got to meet the K-9 officer who would be using their handiwork. Though they didn't pet the dog—trained police dogs aren't typically handled by anyone other than their handlers—the encounter added to the significance of their work.

"I was saying for a while, 'This is really big for a dog,'" Reynolds recalls. "Then I saw the dog and I was like, 'This is why it's this big.'"

The project exemplifies the practical learning happening in Herrin High School's Construction Trades program, where students develop skills that can lead directly to careers. For Matier, the class has helped solidify his post-graduation plans to join the electricians' union. 

Reynolds, meanwhile, is considering becoming a heavy machine operator or carpenter after he finishes high school next year.

Both students say they realized early that traditional college might not be their path. "I was always really wanting to push to go to college and get a degree," Matier explains. "But then my junior year, I just got tired of math and English. Then I got into this class this year and it really pushed me to go for trades."

The doghouse project has been completed just as the Construction Trades program is gaining momentum under Jordan, who joined the faculty this school year.

This openness to community projects is something both students hope will continue. Reynolds envisions even bigger opportunities in the future: "Some schools around us, they go out and build houses, and I feel like that would be something that would be really cool for this class down the road."

The students describe Jordan as more than just a teacher. "He's also a friend that you can count on," says Reynolds. "He's helping us out a lot with learning and teaching us new things that we can use in our future."

Matier adds, "He's a true role model. He really pushes us to work our best on the projects we do and try to use our creativity. We're just really glad to have him here."

As the doghouse project concludes, and work on picnic tables to be used in several locations begins, these students exemplify why trades education remains vital in schools. With skilled tradespeople in high demand nationwide, programs like Herrin High's Construction Trades class provide not only valuable career preparation but also opportunities for students to contribute meaningfully to their community.

The students and their instructor welcome community inquiries about potential future projects that could provide learning experiences while meeting local needs.