Leesburg High School Construction Academy Graduating Seniors Honored for Dedication and Hard Work
LEESBURG, Florida — The Leesburg High School Construction Academy Advisory Committee hosted a small gathering for the four graduating seniors of the 2020 LHS Construction Academy. Max Acosta, Chris Wheeler, Matt Waybright, and Fox Fessenden were presented with tool kits to start their construction careers.
Advisory Committee President Don Magruder commended the seniors for building a home for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter while overcoming many obstacles, including an early year instructor change, bad weather, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The seniors worked on the house three days out of the week in exchange for credit in their shop class at Leesburg High School.
The tool kits presented to the seniors included a tool bag, power tools, circular saw, personal protective equipment, hammers, tape measures, and much more! These items were generously donated by local companies and organizations, and the selection and quality of the tool kits will allow these seniors to start on most job sites in Central Florida. Construction Academy Instructor Brian Russ touted the community’s commitment to the program and told the students how proud he was of their achievements.
Lynnea Weissman, Lake County School District Grant Project Coordinator, recognized RoMac Building Supply, the Florida Masonry Association, Christ United Church, Alex Cor, Inc., HD Supply, and Ross Plumbing for their donations and thanked the parents and students for the sacrifices they made during the year. Weissman has guided the Lake County School District’s Construction Academy development for the last three years. Last year, the District added Construction Academies at South Lake High School and Eustis High School.
The Leesburg High School Construction Academy Advisory Committee meets monthly and provides guidance, resources, and outside leadership to the LHS Construction Academy—bridging the school with the local construction industry. For more information or to participate, please email Lynnea Weissman at WeissmanL@lake.k12.fl.us.