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November 20, 2024

Wyandotte High School Students Work to Redesign Part of their Historic School

A group of people stand in a circle inside a classroom, engaging in a discussion.

Students in an Interior Design class at Wyandotte High School have been tasked with making some improvements to the historic building.

A group of people stand in a circle inside a classroom, engaging in a discussion.

They are currently working on redesigning the school’s restrooms as part of their Diploma+ client-connected project. Client-connected projects are authentic problems which students solve in collaboration with professionals from industry, not-for-profit, or community-based organizations.

This group of talented students was hoping to get some helpful guidance when they sat down and discussed the project with several industry experts during a meeting at Wyandotte High School on Tuesday, November 12.

A group of students and instructors gather around a wooden table in a well-lit classroom.

They had the unique opportunity to learn from Kevin Boswell, Wyandotte High School’s head custodian, Doug Clements, the director of Physical Properties at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, as well from Megan Barnes, an architect from Hollis and Miller Architecture Firm; and Alex Mendoza, an architect from HTK Architects, based in Overland Park, Kansas. Mendoza is also a graduate of Wyandotte High School.

A teacher and two students look down at a blue architectural blueprint spread across a wooden table.

“During the meeting, the experts provided invaluable insights, sharing the building's rich history, original floor plans, and some pencil sketches of the one-of-a-kind light fixtures,” said Wyandotte Construction and Design Teacher Catherine Bowers. “They also provided guidance on practicality and accessibility, ensuring that the students' designs are both functional and realistic.”

A group of students stands together in a classroom behind a long wooden table.

Reflecting on the experience, Jocelyn Carrera, an 11th-grade ACE Academy student and aspiring architect, said, "I couldn’t believe all these professionals took time out of their day to speak with our class about our design projects. I learned so much about our school's history and different career paths. It means so much to us that they made time to answer all of our questions and that they care about our learning."

“The students asked great questions about design and construction considerations, budget, and time management, related to the construction process,” said Clements. “What started as a simple idea to spruce up an often-overlooked space has turned into a full-blown project of creativity, collaboration, and transformation.”