Coatings World - August 2008

Final Coat

Hardin County High wins Minwax award

Minwax recently selected Hardin County High School Trade & Industry Carpentry Program of Savannah, TN, as the grand prize winner in the 2007 Community Craftsman Award Program. The western Tennessee secondary school received national recognition for designing and building an affordable single-family home that will be offered for sale at a reduced price to a family in their community who might not otherwise be able to afford a home.

As the 2007 Community Craftsman Award grand prize winner, the Hardin County High School Carpentry Program received a $5,000 cash grant, a supply of Minwax products and a private wood finishing workshop with DIY television personality and author Bruce Johnson.

In October 2007, the Hardin County High School carpentry class embarked on an ambitious project to improve their community by building an affordable single-family home for a low-income family. The goal was to provide housing at low cost to a deserving family, while giving students valuable hands-on training in all aspects of residential construction.

The community rallied in support of Jason Hunt and Rodney Strong, the vocational school instructors, who spearheaded the

project and their students in the carpentry class. A local community bank donated the land for the students to build on and set up an interest-free construction loan so that the house could be built at no cost to the students. Local lumber companies helped by donating building materials and supplies or providing materials at a reduced cost. The program also received a SkillsUSA and Lowe’s grant, which helped fund a mobile tool unit the students used to haul materials to and from the job site.

Construction of the house has been completed now—all the exterior siding and roofing is done and the interior finishing and construction of cabinets will be completed in the coming school year.

“It’s a pleasure to recognize Jason Hunt and Rodney Strong and the students of the Hardin County High School Trade & Industry Carpentry Program for their outstanding community service,” said Janet Krakow, vice president, marketing Sherwin-Williams Wood Care Products. “What started as a classroom project to build an affordable home has ignited the spirit of giving and doing good throughout their community. The Hardin County High School Carpentry Program comprises the essence of the Minwax Community Craftsman Award.” CW

Pictured left to right, accepting the award plaque and $5,000 cash grant are instructors Rodney Austin and Jason Hunt. Janet Krakow, VP, marketing, Sherwin-Williams Wood Care Products presented the award along with Bruce Johnson wood finishing expert and Minwax spokesperson.

The Hardin County High School Trade & Industry Carpentry program students and instructors take a time out in the workshop as they were honored by Minwax as grand prize winners of the 2007 Community Craftsman Award. Local industry supporters Josh Wilbanks from Lowe’s and Jmes Fitts from Clayton Homes look on.