WAKEFIELD– Superintendent David DiBarri is pleased to share that Northeast Metro Tech carpentry students recently started building a baseball dugout at North Reading High School.
“This is the type of project that really fits in well with our mission and culture here at Northeast Metro Tech,” Superintendent DiBarri said. “Our students are gaining experience in the field, on a fun project that gives directly back to their community.”
“The great thing about career technical education and vocational education is the hands-on learning aspect,” said Northeast Metro Tech’s Vocational Dean Dave Fabrizio. “The opportunity for our students to build a structure like this not only benefits them, it also benefits the town of North Reading and North Reading High School for years to come. The skills that our students are learning on a daily basis will enhance their career opportunities in the future.”
The collaborative project between Northeast Metro Tech and North Reading High School has been in the works for several years. The dugouts were designed in 2019 by Connor Andrews, an alumni of Northeast Metro Tech’s Drafting and Design program currently studying at the Wentworth Institute of Technology.
“As a member of the Northeast School Committee it makes me proud to be part of helping our communities with projects needed in their cities and towns,” said Northeast Metro Tech School Committee Member Judith Dyment. “I know our staff and students take pride when they are part of doing this as well and love to see their work completed and enjoyed by many. I enjoy watching our students completing the project at North Reading High school as I pass by knowing the joy it will bring to the high school students for many years!”
Initially, construction for the project was slated to begin in March 2020, but was ultimately postponed until this March due to the pandemic.
Approximately 35 juniors and seniors in Northeast Metro Tech’s carpentry program began working on the project on March 2. Students are being overseen by their instructors Armen Khodaverdian, the site manager, and Bob Calla, carpentry instructor, and are working on the project five days a week. Students and staff hope to complete the project this spring.
“During the pandemic, it is important that I get hands-on training,” said Gloria Lanzi, a senior and Malden resident. “It is important to get out and learn different skills. I especially like this project because it is a structure that will be used and enjoyed by others.”
Students participating in the project have the opportunity to practice hands-on skills including measuring, layout work, cutting, leveling, drilling, fastening, assembling, framing, exterior trim, erecting scaffolding and roofing.
Northeast Metro Tech’s carpentry program has participated in similar projects previously with area baseball fields as well.
For the latest updates, visit Northeast Metro Tech’s website by clicking here.
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