“There is a tremendous need for vocational education and people who are skilled in various trades, such as carpentry,” said David L. Michael, Executive Director/CEO, Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State. “By allowing these students to participate in this project, they are gaining valuable insight into what could be a career path for them.”
History of the Wall Build Project:
In 2021, the question was asked: “How can the students in the carpentry (now Industrial Arts) class at Wurtland Middle School get involved with Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State?”
The initial answer was “no — they can’t because of their age.” However, after additional discussions with faculty, administration, and HFHTS staff, it was determined that a “Wall Build Project” could be organized at the school campus — rather than an active build site. A new tradition was born.
The Tradition Continues
Now in its fifth year, the wall build has become a cornerstone of hands-on learning at the school: giving students a rare opportunity to apply classroom skills to a real-world community need.
The wall build project is made possible through the generous support of community volunteers and local corporate sponsors. Food and drinks were provided and a brief ceremony concluded the wall build. Students then helped load the completed walls for transportation, where they will soon be added to a new home on Dundee Drive in Greenup.
Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State will once again partner with Greenup County School of Innovation (formerly Wurtland Middle School) to host a wall build day in April 2027 at the school’s campus in Wurtland (Greenup County), Kentucky.
2026 GCSI Wall Build News Coverage:
4.20.2026 WOWK Channel 13 Greenup County students help Habitat for Humanity
4.22.2026 Daily Independent Woodwork in Wurtland: Students Continue construction tradition with Habitat for Humanity
4.20.2026 AOL News Greenup students help Habitat
4.20.2026 Yahoo News Wurtland continues Habitat for Humanity tradition