Ethan Mendez, Aiden Cavener-Conley, and Jericho Holyk. Photo Courtesy LAPS
Ethan Smith. Photo Courtesy LAPS
Ryder Fort, Brecken Hanson, and Oliver “OJ” Jenkins. Photo Courtesy LAPS
Julianna Dominguez and Samuel Stringfellow/Photo Courtesy LAPS
Ryder Fort with Julianna Dominguez (in back) Photo Courtesy LAPS
Oliver Jenkins, Brecken Hanson, Ryder Fort, and Kellen Kinman/Photo Courtesy LAPS
David Gurule, Aiden Cavener-Conley, Zeke Mackey, Cassie Salazar, and Calvin Priedhorsky/ Photo Courtesy LAPS
Cassie Salazar, Timothy Blair, and Zeke Mackey/ Photo Courtesy LAPS
LAMS NEWS RELEASE
Los Alamos Middle School’s advanced engineering design students partnered with Mesa-to-Mesa to build accessibility ramps destined for elderly individuals, low-income homeowners, and people with disabilities throughout northern New Mexico. This activity embodies the Los Alamos Public Schools 2024-2027 Strategic Plan’s three pillars—academic excellence, social-emotional well-being, and civic responsibility—by tangibly combining project-based learning with meaningful service for our community.
The project came about as students finished all their semester projects early, and their teacher, Dr. Brent Collom, reached out to Jon Bulthuis of Mesa-to-Mesa about volunteer work for the students. Mesa-to-Mesa, a non-profit organization located in Española, New Mexico, provided all the materials and supplies that students used to layout and assemble the ramp modules.
When Dr. Collom asked his students how many ramps they thought they could build, he was surprised that they suggested 10-12. However, LAMS students finished 10 ramps in only four days, so Mesa-to-Mesa brought supplies for six more ramps for a total of 16 ramps completed. Bulthuis was thrilled at the work LAMS students delivered.
“These ramps will make a huge difference for the people we serve,” he said. As a thank you, he shared donuts with the students when he picked up the finished ramps.
While students applied academic skills in a real-world situation, based on comments, the social-emotional and civic engagement impacts for students were impressive. Sam reflected, “I personally tried really hard to make these ramps because it felt like I was actually helping people and contributing to this project. Class service projects can be helpful if teachers would find a way to get these projects to students, then all schools could be helping people just like we did.”
Several students used the word “important” to describe their
work, including Aiden Cavener-Conley who noted, “This project was important because it helped those in need.”
“I feel that the wheelchair ramp service project was important because it is helping the ones in our community and society that can’t easily live everyday life like we can,” Kella Kinman added.. “I enjoyed working on this project and felt that I was making a
difference.”
“I am proud of my students for the way they enthusiastically worked to improve the lives of people in need throughout our greater community,” Dr. Collum said. “Their efforts make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
Calvin Priedhorsky, Emmett Weaver, and Julian Delorey/Photo Courtesy LAPS
Calvin Priedhorsky, Emmett Weaver, Julian Delorey, and Aiden Cavener-Conley/Photo Courtesy LAPS
Cassie Salazar and Aiden Cavener-Conley/Photo Courtesy LAPS
A load of 12 ramps completed by Los Alamos Middle School students. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: Congratulations to Brent Collom. Jon Bulthuis and the students on completing such a wonderful community project that will make a big difference for families. And sincere congratulations to Dr. Collom on his retirement following 34 years of teaching.
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