From Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna:
Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna announced that they will transport a modular home on Friday, May 23rd at 9:30 a.m. in two sections by flatbed truck from Harford Technical High School’s warehouse to its permanent site at 2nd Street in Aberdeen.
This 966 square-foot house was built by 80 students in the construction trades program at Harford Technical High School over a period of 18 months in partnership with Bank of America Foundation, Battelle, Chesapeake Environmental Management, Enterprise Foundation, Harford County Government, Maryland Affordable Housing Trust, Rosedale Federal, and Whiting Turner. The students handled all aspects of the build, from design to ordering materials to construction. The home will also sit on a lot donated my Ms. Jane Viele.
Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna, Karen Blandford, further explained the partnership between Harford Technical High School and Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna when she said, “the students are not only gaining real world experience in their field, but they are also learning about the importance of being part of the community and giving a hand up to those in need.”
This is the sixth home Harford Technical High and Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna have completed together. This particular home also earned an Energy-Star certification due to its green features, including low-flow plumbing fixtures, green fiber insulation, and Energy-Star appliances and lighting.
A Harford Tech student reflected on the experience and said, “It taught me so much more than just building. It has also taught me about responsibility and ownership. I loved every moment working on it.”
Through this project, another deserving family in Harford County will finally achieve the dream of homeownership and over 80 students at Harford Technical High School will have gained invaluable hands-on experience in the construction trades industry.
The Harford Technical High School “warehouse” is actually a covered courtyard that is adjacent to the construction programs. It is now called the William B. Seccurro Construction Courtyard in honor of the man who promoted house building at the school. Dr. Seccurro was Harford Tech’s first principal and later became the Harford County Public Schools Supervisor for Career and Technology Education. He has spent his career supporting vocational technical education and laid the foundation for HTHS. After retiring from the school system, he became the C.E.O. of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce. The gentleman deserves an article just on him and his contributions to the school system and the entire county.