Visitors to Sheridan Community Land Trust trails will soon see the handiwork of Sheridan High School students. This fall, students in the Woodworking I class partnered with SCLT to design and build handcrafted trail map dispensers that will be installed at SCLT trailheads.
The collaboration gave students the chance to learn real-world skills while creating something lasting for the place they call home. “We’re always looking to provide project-based learning opportunities for students, especially if we can facilitate student learning with community projects,” said instructor Paul Plourde. “This project afforded us opportunities to learn key woodworking safety and operational skills, as well as incorporate some advanced craftsmanship skills. Students really had some buy-in, taking the project into their own hands by taking pride in the work they were doing for the community.”
This fall, students learned to use industry-standard tools and techniques to transform reclaimed scrap lumber from Sheridan American Legion Baseball into finished dispensers. “Students came to class at the start of the semester and immediately started learning the core woodworking skills of crosscutting, rip cutting, jointing, squaring a board, planing, and applying measurements,” Paul explained.
“It feels amazing that many people will use our creation. The fact that we were able to contribute to our town is great.” ~ Tyler Feck, SHS student.
For many students, this was their first time working with woodworking tools, and the project quickly became a point of pride. “I learned the basics of each machine in the shop and how to use them,” said Joseph Gonda. Caleb Cummins added, “I learned how to make miter cuts perfectly on the line, adjusting for kerf and everything.” For Tomas Blake, the lessons went beyond the tools: “Some skills I learned were perseverance, quality, and being proud… I used perseverance to push through even when I thought I couldn’t do it.”
The class also added a creative touch to their work. Each dispenser features a laser-engraved topographic design, inspired by SCLT’s own maps. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference — turning a simple map box into a piece of functional art.
The students are proud to know their work will be seen and used by trail users throughout Sheridan County. “It feels amazing that many people will use our creation. The fact that we were able to contribute to our town is great,” said Tyler Feck.
For others, the most meaningful part of the experience was working side by side with classmates. “I think it was definitely the teamwork part,” said Caleb Cummins. “Everybody being on the same page and knowing what to do was pretty cool to see and be a part of.”
“Anyone who uses the trails or visits an SCLT property can see what students do in school. It’s great for the community to see what our students are capable of building while learning real-world skills.” ~ Paul Plourde, SHS instructor
Paul said this project highlights why partnerships between the school, its students, and community groups are so valuable. “Anyone who uses the trails or visits an SCLT property can see what students do in school. It’s great for the community to see what our students are capable of building while learning real-world skills.”
And while their map dispensers will soon be a part of SCLT’s trail system, the lessons students learned — about craftsmanship, teamwork, and community pride — will last far longer.
The map holders will be going up at SCLT trailheads soon.
