Hammond partnership gives back to community : Lake

HAMMOND | United Neighborhoods Inc., Havmack Construction and students from Hammond Academy of Science and Technology worked together Saturday to make their city a better place.

Five students from the academy performed their National Honor Society group service project by helping to install siding and windows at a home in the 7400 block of Beech Street in Hammond. The property has been purchased and is being remodeled with HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“The students are giving time to give back to the community,” said Alexius Barber, executive director of UNI. ????? ???? ??????

The students worked under the guidance of Havmack Construction, which is the general contractor for the rehab. President/owner Jack Havlin said the students “caught on quick.”

Academy student Aarion Cook said the home rehab was a cool experience for her.

“I felt like I was ‘House Hunters’ or ‘Property Brothers,’” she said. “I watch those shows with my mom all the time, so it was good to actually get to get behind the scenes.”

Jake Yankauskas said it was the first time he installed windows and siding.

“It’s cool to come out and learn some new skills and help the community,” he said.

Ivy Westerhoff said she’s never done this type of work. ????? ?????

“I’m more of a numbers person, so actually doing something was different,” she said. 888 ?????? “I guess it’s a good skill to have, but I won’t tell my dad because he’ll want me to do it.”

Other students taking part in the service learning project were Moomna Ali and Marc Suarez.

Hammond Academy director of guidance Sarah Scannell, the National Honor Society chapter advisor for the students, said three more students would be returning April 12 to do similar work for their service learning project.