Students Complete Construction On Stafford County House

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — Last month, Stafford County high school students completed construction on a house they helped build from scratch.

Approximately 300 students from Stafford County's five high schools worked on the project, building a 3,500 square foot home on Little Whim Road.

The students worked on the home from the planning phase to the final construction alongside local business partners and instructors from the Bringing Occupational Opportunities to Students (BOOTS) program.

"The BOOTS program is a timeless example of Stafford’s commitment to preparing every student for a life after high school,” Superintendent Thomas Taylor said. “I am tremendously proud of our students in the BOOTS program."

Through the BOOTS program, students visited the construction site for the four-bedroom ramble home during school hours. They worked in carpentry, drafting, electricity, and masonry.

"Every aspect of this home, from the blueprint design through the final installation of the brick walkway was completed by our Stafford students," Taylor said. "This is an incredibly visual example of the many ways career and technical education leads students directly into high-skill, high-wage, in-demand careers."

Bobby Jett leads the drafting program at Stafford High School.

"Carpentry students provide framing, cabinetry, and trim. The masonry students complete the brickwork," Jett said. "All of the lighting, wiring, and appliance connections are the work of the electrical students."

Jett noted that students do not complete HVAC or plumbing projects on the home.

"It takes a full two years to complete one of our homes,” Jett said. “The drafting students begin drawing plans and obtaining permits while the previous year’s design is under construction.”

The planning phase for the next project is already underway in south Stafford.