Carpentry Students Transform Learning Space

Posted Date: 01/30/26 (08:30 AM)

Southampton High School in-house ESBOCES carpentry students are taking pride and ownership in their learning environment after recent facility upgrades improved their workspace. Following the district’s installation of a new ventilation system designed to collect sawdust, along with the addition of an air conditioning unit, students were inspired to enhance the shop even further through hands-on construction projects.

While brainstorming ideas to make their workspace more functional and efficient, junior Thomas Lavinio came up with the idea to build custom workbenches for sanding.

“Thomas has really stepped up in a leadership role as a kind of project manager and has contributed massively to this year’s class,” said teacher Bernardo Diaz.

With a blueprint in hand, Thomas and his peers went to work, expanding the project to add built-in shelving for tools and materials and designated outlets for charging battery-powered equipment. The students applied the skills they’ve been honing, from proper tool use to reading blueprints to teamwork, to design and construct three workbenches.

They are not done yet; the students are continuing to look for additional ways to improve their workspace and apply their skills to real-world projects. Currently, they are constructing stage sets for the school’s upcoming production of “The Addams Family,” giving them the opportunity to collaborate with the performing arts department while meeting real production deadlines. In addition, they are building tiny houses as part of their coursework, allowing them to further develop precision, planning and advanced construction techniques.