This high school student from Colorado, Victoria Turner, actively participated in the construction of a house as part of Liberty High School’s building and construction class. Victoria, 18, joined over 100 students in building a 1,200-square-foot home, a project she found personally fulfilling. Expressing her passion for construction since a young age, Victoria enrolled in the program four years ago, drawn by the opportunity to contribute to building a house.

Over a span of three years, Victoria and her peers from various Academy School District 20 high schools engaged in diverse construction tasks to bring the project to completion. Victoria focused on carpentry, including floorboards, plumbing, drywall installation, and exterior work. The students dedicated three hours per day, every other day, totaling six to nine hours weekly.

As the project neared completion, Victoria’s parents surprised her by deciding to purchase the home. Initially overheard as a casual conversation about someone interested in buying the house, Victoria’s mother expressed genuine interest. Victoria approached her teacher, Mr. Hernandez, who preferred that her family acquire the property. The finished home is scheduled to be transported to Victoria’s parents’ property in January. In a recent ceremony at Liberty High School, Victoria received the keys to the new house, where she and her sister will reside.

Acknowledging the current housing market’s expense, Victoria appreciates the opportunity to have their own home without the need for renting an apartment. The success of this project has inspired plans for another home-building initiative next year. Victoria’s father, Mr. Turner, commends District 20 for offering such opportunities, enabling individuals not pursuing college to gain trade skills for a sustainable livelihood.

Victoria, who graduated in May, currently works at a local roofing company. She embraces her role as a female in the construction industry, recognizing the rarity of women in her field. Victoria believes that encouraging more females to join the workforce in construction could contribute to positive changes for the future.