Teen Builders
How Five Young Men Gave Back to Their Community
By: GC Schools
Students at Greenup County High School recently made a life-changing impact for one of their own, turning a simple carpentry project into a touching example of community and compassion. Drake Newsome, Gavin Roy, Tanner Stevens, Jarid Gillum, and Hunter Stewart, members of the school's ATC (vocational) program, worked together to build a wheelchair ramp for the husband of Christy Hall, a beloved kitchen manager at the school. But this story isn’t just about construction; it’s about how a small act of service can make a big difference.
It all began when Christy Hall’s life was turned upside down. After her husband suffered a serious spinal injury that required surgery, Christy had to take time off from work to care for him. While he worked to regain his ability to walk, Christy faced a new challenge: her husband needed a wheelchair ramp to get in and out of their home. As she talked to the school’s Finance Director about her dilemma, he asked if he could look into finding a solution. Christy agreed, and before she knew it, two teachers arrived at her door—Mr. Clay Couch and Mr. Kevin Stewart, both of whom teach in the ATC (vocational) wing at the high school.
“They said they would help, and the next thing I knew, they were at my house taking measurements,” Christy recalled. With a plan in place, Mr. Couch and Mr. Stewart set to work recruiting a group of skilled students to tackle the project. Their goal? To build a wheelchair ramp that would not only meet Christy’s needs but would also offer a valuable real-world learning experience for the students.
Christy couldn’t help but be impressed by the students’ dedication. “I could hear them outside working, and I could hear Mr. Couch teaching them as they were building,” she said. “Every one of them was hands-on.” The young men she was referring to—Drake Newsome, Gavin Roy, Tanner Stevens, Jarid Gillum, and Hunter Stewart—were fully engaged in the process, learning firsthand how to apply their carpentry skills to a real-world project.
When the project was finished, Christy was overwhelmed by the results. Not only did the team build a sturdy wheelchair ramp large enough to serve as a deck, but they also used the leftover materials to repair the stairs at the back door. “They all went the extra mile,” Christy said, fighting back tears. “When I saw it, all finished, I almost cried. They made it so much more than I ever expected.”
The project was made possible through the support of ATC Principal Stacey Thompson, who praised the initiative as a perfect example of "Work-Based Learning." “This is an irreplaceable experience for our students,” Mrs. Thompson said. “They have the opportunity to put their skills to use in real-world situations, and in this case, they’re able to help one of their own. That’s what makes it even more meaningful.”
Mrs. Thompson emphasized how remarkable it was for the students to gain hands-on experience while also contributing to a cause that directly impacted someone in their own community. “For our students to learn skills in the field with professionals while helping a peer in need—it’s just remarkable,” she added.
This project, and the powerful story behind it, highlights the importance of applying classroom learning to meaningful real-world challenges. Christy Hall’s family is deeply grateful for the work done by these students, and the entire Greenup County High School community is proud of how these young men turned a carpentry project into a life-changing gesture. "Thank you to all the staff and students who worked together to put learning to amazing use," said a representative from Greenup County Schools. "We are so proud!"