Students rebuild school’s tuck shop

For several students enrolled in building construction and electrical technology at Aberdeen High School in St Elizabeth, the skills they were acquiring in the classroom were seen as stepping stones towards future careers.

Few anticipated, however, that they would be called upon to put those very skills into practice while still in school. That opportunity arose in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which left widespread damage across the institution, including the school’s tuck shop. Principal, Audley Feare, explained that the storm dismantled the structure and affected several sections of the campus, creating an urgent need for swift recovery.

Faced with the urgent task of restoring the tuck shop, building construction teacher, Patrick Wint – the mastermind behind the proposal – placed his confidence in the students’ abilities and challenged those in grades 10 and 11 to take on the project. At first, some students dismissed the idea of undertaking the reconstruction themselves as a joke. Yet, once it became clear that the challenge was genuine, many embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, recognising that their efforts would leave a meaningful and lasting contribution to their school. The project was largely funded by past students of the former Aberdeen Primary and Junior School, Zethroy Pennicott and Shannon Baruch.

Under the guidance of Wint and other members of the technical-vocational department, the students rose to the challenge and began rebuilding the structure – a process that spanned from January to March. Equipped with classroom knowledge, practical skills, and determination, the students transformed the plywood structure – once decimated and swept away by hurricane winds – into a sturdier, more spacious facility, complete with an improved layout and a fresh artistic finish.

Not only was the tuck shop rebuilt but the project also stood as a powerful symbol of resilience and perseverance regained by both students and staff.

“I felt nervous at first… but after a while, I grew excited,” recalled building construction student Deshaun Smith.

The work was anything but easy. As reconstruction advanced, students had to contend with difficult conditions left in the hurricane’s wake, including the loss of electricity. With no steady power supply, they were forced to rely on generators to operate their tools and press forward. Yet despite these obstacles, their commitment to the task never wavered.

Electrical technology teacher Fitzroy Dillon noted that these challenges became valuable learning opportunities for the students.

“It provided an opportunity for students to learn that conditions will not always be ideal, and that successful tradesmen must often adapt and find solutions when resources are limited,” he points out.

The project demanded not only technical expertise but also clear communication and close cooperation as students worked together to achieve a common goal.

“It was incredible. Everybody worked together as one,” said building construction student, Shamair Nelson, reflecting on how the project helped shape his teamwork skills.