The next time you visit Octorara’s stadium to cheer on our Braves, take a moment to look inside the ticket booth. The walls, ceiling, and floor feature finish work completed by students in Octorara Area Career and Technical Education (OACTEP)'s Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Program.
Led by Tech Ed Teacher Mr. Matthew Talley, students took their skills beyond the classroom and shop to contribute to a project that will serve the Octorara community throughout the year.
The project provided students with hands-on experience installing a variety of millwork, including tongue-and-groove beadboard on the walls and ceiling, dimensional lumber for window and door casings, extension jambs and baseboards, and vertical trim to create a board-and-batten effect.
Throughout the project, students worked with a variety of power tools, including sliding compound miter saws, circular saws, jigsaws, oscillating multi-tools and nail guns. They also gained experience working from ladders and scaffolding to complete overhead ceiling work.
Beyond the technical skills, the project incorporated applied math, measurement, layout and material estimation. Working together in a confined space also reinforced the importance of teamwork, communication and situational awareness.
For students, seeing the project come together offered a rewarding opportunity to apply what they have learned and contribute to a finished product.
“It was really interesting getting to be part of the ticket booth project from the beginning,” shared junior Kaylee Price. “I got to help with different parts of the project and make sure the work I was responsible for was done correctly. I think the best part was being able to see everything slowly come together and watching all of our individual work turn into one finished project.”
Kaylee added that seeing the final result was especially meaningful, knowing she had played a part in making it happen.
Experiences like this help students develop practical skills that connect directly to careers in construction and woodworking, while providing opportunities to make a lasting contribution to their school community.
The next time you visit the ticket booth to support our Braves, remember the student craftsmanship behind its finished look!