Students in Broken Arrow Construct Dog Houses for BARC Rescue

Senior Paisley Ward expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its combination of hands-on work and community service. "I absolutely loved it. It was really fun, and they’re fairly easy to put together. We get to build something, and the dogs get a place to sleep," Ward said. She is considering a career in welding and noted that the Options Academy allowed her to explore welding alongside other skills such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry.

The program, led by construction teacher Scott Reece, fosters independence by encouraging students to solve problems and safely use tools. Reece, who has been teaching for three years, highlighted the importance of the program, which is affiliated with the Tulsa Homebuilders Association. He said, "Projects like the dog houses give students an opportunity they don’t always get in a traditional classroom. It’s really exciting to be able to give the kids the opportunity to give back."

Jamie Cope, founder of BARC Rescue, noted that the dog houses would support families or foster homes unable to keep dogs inside all the time, providing shelter for dogs that struggle with crates. Cope appreciates the students’ efforts, stating, "This is the next generation of people that will be doing things in the community."