The sound of a hammer beating on a long piece of freshly cut plywood could be heard echoing down the deserted E hallway as the smell of freshly sawed wood lingers in the classroom of Mr. Stowe Hoffius.

It’s a hot blazing afternoon, as the sun beats down on the students diligently drilling holes in the wood. Others precisely measure how much wood is needed to finish the wall of the house, and in the background a group of students carefully lift pieces of plywood to and from the construction site.

Mr. Hoffius carefully exams his students’ work, and inspects every detail in his students craftsmanship. He is busily at work instructing his students when he is told that he has received a notice on a grant from the State of Arkansas Constructor’s License Board.

Mr. Hoffius received a $27,000 grant May 11 from the State of Arkansas constructor’s License Board, after about four months for waiting for a reply.

In January 2011, Mr. Hoffius was contacted by the board, as well as many other schools who conducted any construction classes. An extensive application was also required to be considered eligible for the vast grant. A partial plan included what the grant money would be used for was created by Mr. John Gore and his architectural drafting class, who was also included with the application.

“We took the basic design of the cabin that they used before and modified it into what Mr. Hoffius and I had discussed. We added porches and clear story windows to the layout. I can’t wait to see what the cabin will look like when it’s finish. I have a feeling it will turn out to be a really attractive cabin,” said Mr. Gore.

When contacted about the grant last week, Mr. Hoffius was greatly excited about possibly receiving the grant. A week later on May 11, it was confirmed that he had been given the grant. He plans to create two more projects to further his students’ understanding on constructional techniques.

“I was very excited to find out that I had received such a tremendous grant to build more houses, and the grant also helps all of my classes,” said Mr. Hoffius.

The huge grant also left many of Mr. Hoffius’s students in awe, for many will benefit from the grant money by having the opportunity to get to extend their knowledge in construction and doing something that they love.

“I really think it’s a great thing that we’ve received this grant. It really gives me a chance to obtain more knowledge in the construction field, because there is a possibility that I will consider construction as a career in the future. It’ll also be great to build another house from start to finish,” said junior Baylor Stemole.