Summer program teaches creativity

By Molly Hayden, U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr Public AffairsAugust 29, 2011

Creative endeavor
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Splattered with paint
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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- What was once a bland storage room now has the spirit of creativity written on the walls (literally) thanks to three Vilseck High School students.

Kevin Porter, 16, and Emily LeDel, 15, spent numerous hours putting the finishing touches on a new classroom for the Main Post Heart and Home Craft Shop as part of the Summer Hire program.

Additionally, LeDel's 16-year-old sister, Ashley, volunteered for the shop, adding one more creative mind to the mix.

Lively circles exploded with color on each wall and speckled paint aligned one side giving the classroom a Jackson Pollock-esque look.

"We were able to do whatever we wanted," said Ashley. "They gave us full creative freedom."

"Within reason," added LeDel with a shy smile. "We wanted to keep it simple, adding color and a few bubbles here and there to brighten the room."

During the six-week Summer Hire program, students were given an opportunity to gain meaningful job experience, prepare for future educational and career goals, and support the Army mission.

Eighty-one students within the Grafenwoehr military footprint enrolled in the 2011 summer program participating in clerical, child care and manual labor jobs.

For Porter and LeDel, the experience provided insight into the world of employment.

"You get to see what it's like day to day," said LeDel. "We are learning a lot, but we aren't being treated like students. The people here trust us to do the work and do it right."

Porter agreed.

"We are like colleagues," said Porter. "I had to learn the job, but I always get the work done and I always work hard."

With the help of the staff at the craft shop, the students learned how to frame photos, paint, sew, basket weave, review inventory, aid customers and price items within the shop, just to name a few of the tasks.

"They all help mentor us. It's like being in school except more fun," said Porter. "And you get paid."