A 'Break' From Studying, but Not From Service
Published 03.19.2014
Ten Penn College representatives traveled to Yonkers, N.Y., over Spring Break to work with Habitat for Humanity to install insulation on three houses that will be used by veterans when completed later this spring. Attending were: students Joseph W. Bourgart, of Warrington; Timothy W. Duncan, of Lakeville; Wesley G. Ginnick, of Duncansville; Pamela D. Hartman, of Harrisburg; Taylor R. Lapointe, of Pelham, N.H.; Katelyn M. McNaughton, of Williamsport; Elizabeth A. Mattes, of Frackville; Bethany M. Reppert, of Minersville; and Jordan E. Stephenson, of State College; and chaperon Michael D. Penwell, a Residence Life coordinator in The Village at Penn College. The trip originated from Students Making a Contribution, one of the college's many active student organizations. The group spent the week hauling sheet rock, installing roofing ventilation, hanging insulation – made of both fiberglass and of recycled blue jeans – and clearing thousands of pounds of trash from a neighboring site to prepare it for construction. Resident student photographer, Timothy Duncan, took 1,500 photos of the group working and playing hard! "Habitat for Humanity does such great work, and every Penn College student and employee that attended this year experienced a wealth of experiences and personal memories to last a lifetime," Penwell said. "SMAC plans to help Habitat again next year, so keep your eyes open for information if you are interested in joining us!” Duncan, the group's resident student photographer, took 1,500 photos of the group hard at work (and play); this gallery is but a sampling.
A hard-hatted Jordan E. Stephenson, reporting for duty.
Penn College Spring Break-ers combine community service with playful camaraderie.
Old Glory oversees the Habitat work crews.
The Penn College contingent busily pitches in.
From left, Bethany M. Reppert, Taylor R. Lapointe and Joseph W. Bourgart oblige a photographer.
Part of the team
Volunteers install insulation, with a Marine Corps banner to remind students of the building's future occupants.
Helping hands
While some of their colleagues built a snowman, these students filled the downtime with jobsite yoga.