News Release

Washington Daily News
Thursday, September 18, 2008

WHS students lend their talents to aid Pocosin Lakes wood ducks
Beaufort County Schools News Release

When the Friends of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge put out a call for help, Washington High School’s Charles Daniels and his construction students answered.

Supporters of the refuge needed someone to build wood duck boxes to help replace natural nesting habitat destroyed by the Evans Road Fire.

Upperclassmen enrolled in the Construction Technology II – Furniture/Cabinet class are currently building 40 boxes, which they are hoping to help put up on the refuge next month.

Mackey’s Ferry Saw Mill of Roper along with ACE Hardware and Lowe’s, both of Washington, donated materials. Daniels and his 19 students are making the donation of their time a learning experience.

“The chance to participate in something like this is a perfect way for me to help teach my students about giving back,” Daniels explained.

Ernest Marshall, president of the Friends organization, and member Emily Scott were on hand Tuesday to see the students at work. Both were impressed by attention to detail shown by the class.

“It is extremely exciting to see the students here at Washington High School get so excited about doing this project,” Scott said. “We are thrilled also because it is so important that our young people get involved in the environment and in nature.”

Students plan to have the 40 “new homes” completed by this Friday.