Front row, from left, are Gabriella Fisk, Ava Krofka, Marleigh Stappenbeck, Miranda Cortes-Diaz, Alayna Devereaux and Kenzie Martin. Back row, from left, are Jennifer Swanson, Ella Fuller, Landon Frederes, Mathias Sanfilippo, Hunter Felt and Sonya Bingham. Submitted photos

Nine students, all ages 16 and 17, spent the week working on an active construction site in the Coastal Haven community. Their efforts supported the building of safe, affordable housing for local families. Throughout the week, students took on a range of responsibilities typically found on a professional job site, including interior framing and blocking, exterior painting, and even helping to begin the next phase of construction by digging foundation footers.

Beyond the physical work, the experience offered students a deeper understanding of the impact of service. Participants worked alongside future homeowners, who are required through the Habitat for Humanity program to complete 300 hours of “sweat equity” and attend classes on financial responsibility and homeownership. The partnership allows families to achieve affordable mortgages while actively contributing to the construction of their own homes.

“This is about more than building houses,” said Landon Frederes, a Frewsburg junior. “It’s about building a sense of responsibility to others and understanding the value of giving back.”

The program’s impact has extended beyond current participants as well. Frewsburg alumna Kenzie Martin (Class of 2024), who took part in the Spring Build Experience during her time as a student, is now working full time with Beaches Habitat for Humanity as a construction crew leader, providing guidance to this year’s volunteers on site.

Members of Frewsburg Central School’s Structural Integrity Club are pictured painting a Habitat for Humanity home during a trip to Florida during April’s spring break.

The week emphasized teamwork and personal growth. Living and working together in an intensive environment, students developed communication skills, built confidence, and learned to collaborate under real-world conditions. Structured team-building activities, including a high ropes course and local cultural experiences, complemented the work on site and helped strengthen group dynamics.

Over the past five years, Frewsburg’s Structural Integrity Club has extended its impact well beyond a single trip. Students have contributed to projects in seven different communities, helping support more than 20 families through their volunteer efforts.

“It’s a mission, not a destination,” said Jennifer Swanson, club advisor.

She added that each year, students continue to impress her with their work ethic and dedication to the families they serve.

“It’s incredible to watch them grow over the course of the week,” Swanson said. “They are building homes, but also confidence, character, leadership skills and memories that will last a lifetime.”

Marleigh Stappenbeck and Ava Krofka, Frewsburg Central School Structural Integrity Club members, are pictured buidling an Arch at the Castillo de San Marco in St. Augustine, Fla.

To help make this service trip possible, students organize fundraising efforts throughout the year, including an annual golf tournament at Breezewood Links scheduled for June 13 this year, and the “Fall Into the Holidays Arts and Crafts Festival” held each November. Community members interested in supporting or participating in these events, or sponsoring a portion of next year’s build week are encouraged to contact Swanson for more information at jswanson2@frewsburgcsd.org.

Students are pictured prepping for interior blocking / framework.