A chance visit to the Wayne County Schools Career Center has blossomed into a meaningful community partnership and a 600-pound reason to celebrate.
During Leadership Orrville's Education Day at WCSCC, Pastor David Walker of Belding Methodist Church got a firsthand look at the hands-on, real-world projects welding students tackle for local individuals and businesses. The experience left an impression. Walker left with more than just inspiration, he left with an idea.
He soon reached out to the welding program with a unique request: could students design and build a stand strong enough to support his church's massive, 600-plus-pound bell?
They could and they did.
WCSCC welding students accepted the challenge, putting their skills to work designing and constructing a custom bell tower from the ground up. When Pastor Walker and fellow church members arrived to pick up the finished piece, they were met with craftsmanship that exceeded expectations.
The bell tower now has a permanent home at Belding Methodist Church in Grafton, where it stands as both a functional fixture and a lasting tribute to what students at WCSCC are capable of building in the shop, and in the community.