High school students to help repair state parks

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The work of students to build “tiny homes” after the June 2016 flood has evolved into corporations designed at improving West Virginia’s state parks.

Assistant State Superintendent of Schools Kathy D’Antoni said at the West Virginia Board of Education’s meeting Wednesday students will be working to upgrade the parks through designing and completing projects. She said the simulated workplace idea was “brand spanking new.”

Vocational schools throughout the state built 20 homes through last December for families affected by the June 2016 flood. The structures were 700 square feet and designed by students​.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our young people,” she added.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Stephen McDaniel announced a pilot program in April to begin charging per-car fees and annual passes at seven areas, which would have generated $1.6 million for the park system budget. Gov. Jim Justice ordered a cancellation of the program.

D’Antoni added this could also serve as a way to avert students from trying drugs.

“Eleventh and 12th graders have a great impact on your younger children,” she said. “If we can stop them in high school, then we have a pretty good chance at keeping them.”

Full details of the program are expected to be announced at a later date.





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