(KNSI) – The City of Sartell, Habitat for Humanity of Central Minnesota, and the Sartell-Saint Stephen School District hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the nonprofit’s latest build.
SabreCON students from the second-semester group, 2022
It is being constructed by Sartell High School students, part of the SabreCON program, and will be moved next month to its permanent lot on the 600 block of 1st Street North. Habitat Executive Director Chad Johnson made an announcement at the event that students will get a chance to complete the foundation as well, something instructor Joe Schulte says is unique among other high school trades programs. A donation from Saint Could Financial Credit Union made the work possible.
Ryan Cross speaking April 20, 2022 at the Sartell build groundbreaking
Johnson says it was important to Schulte that the home’s final destination be in Sartell. The land was donated by Ryan and Bethany Cross. Ryan spoke at Wednesday’s ceremony.
“This is extremely mission-centric to us. We believe in the trades. We believe in what Sartell’s doing. We believe in your leader, what Joe has done, and the story that he gave to us was phenomenal. So, this is a big credit to you, credit to the program, [and] credit to the school district for trying to make a change in how we look at the trade industry.”
Superintendent Jeff Ridlehoover echoed those sentiments and had nothing but praise for Schulte. He said, “There are certain teachers who are absolute kid magnets. He’s one…with an incredible skill set. And those wonderful kids — I’ve had an opportunity to watch some of the work being done. I’ve never seen something like this up close and personal before, and I am incredibly impressed.”
Joe Schulte (left) and Habitat for Humanity Central Minnesota Exec. Dir. Chad Johnson (right).
Schulte said the lessons learned are great, but he wants students to take away from the experience an appreciation for the joy that construction brings with it. He says the kids have had fun on the build.
“There’s a couple of signs or indicators that there is some real happiness in work going on. One is dancing, the other is singing and I’ve seen both. Particularly in recent weeks as we’ve been painting we’ve gotten literal line dancing going on to ‘Cotton-Eye Joe.'”
Because of rain, the ceremony was moved indoors at nearby Saint Francis Xavier Parish.
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