BRIDGEWATER – Carpentry students at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS) continued their tradition of giving back to the community. This time, the recipient of their craftsmanship is the Hillsborough branch of the Somerset County Library System.
Catherine DeBerry, Branch Manager of the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s Hillsborough branch, contacted SCVTHS Supervisor of Career and Technical Education Rob Carrig and asked if students would be interested in building a puppet theater for the Children’s Room at the library. Mr. Carrig consulted with Carpentry instructor Dan LaRue, and both agreed that this was a project that students were more than capable of completing. Construction of the Puppet Theater was added to the Carpentry Program’s project list.
The design agreed on was a barn, featuring doors that opened to reveal a stage area. Carpentry students worked on the plans for the structure, and then cut, assembled, and decorated the puppet theater. The interior surfaces of the barn doors, as well as the inside of the hayloft, were coated with chalkboard paint. This feature allows children using the theater to draw “scenery” and other decorations to enhance their performances.
“SCLSNJ Hillsborough Library's new puppet theater, designed and built by Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School's Carpentry shop, has become an instant favorite among our young patrons,” said Ms. DeBerry. “The creativity, craftsmanship, and enthusiasm of the Vo Tech students made this collaboration truly special.
Partnerships like this demonstrate the powerful impact of county agencies and organizations working together to support education, creativity, and community engagement.”
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