HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — On Sept. 11, 2014, Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity broke ground on two single dwelling homes to be built for two military veterans in Huntington.

On Nov. 11, the ribbons were cut and keys were given to those two veterans.

The effort to complete these projects was put forth by the Habitat for Humanity staff and their partners. One of those partners was the Collins Career Technical Center (CCTC), specifically the high school students in the carpentry, electricity and building maintenance programs.

These students — with the guidance of their instructors and the Habitat leaders — worked on all phases of construction of these two houses.

According to a press release, this partnership marked the beginning of a relationship between CCTC and Habitat for Humanity, which in the coming months, would grow to include not just these programs but also different student organizations in the school as well as staff. Habitat has plans for eight more of these homes for veterans in Huntington.

The lessons taught at CCTC, according to the release, extend beyond the classroom, beyond driving nails and hooking up electrical circuits. Students learn about putting their abilities and skills to use for something besides a paycheck. It’s about giving back to their communities and giving to deserving individuals like our men and women who make the sacrifice to serve and defend this country every day.