Build Info
Start date: April 2 2009
Projected completion date: June 30 2009
View the media packet
The Forest Hills Northern-Habitat is a unique partnership in that it is a student-led partnership. In fact, it is the first of its kind in the state of Michigan, and while the partnership will result in a simple, decent, affordable LEED-certified home for a hard-working family), it also provides the FHN students with a number of exciting benefits:
- Service Learning - not only will students learn new skills, but they will have a direct opportunity to learn more about the causes and effects of poverty as they work side by side with the future Habitat homeowner;
- Philanthropy - students are learning the very real and tangible lesson that each person can make a difference in making the world a better place;
- Green Building - as Habitat of Kent County is the national leader in affordable green-building, students will be on the cutting edge of the green build conversation.
Forest Hills Northern Principal Jon Gregory notes, "This partnership makes great sense. Our school is diverse, both economically and culturally, and yet we are united, taking care of each other as a single community. We want to bring this understanding out into the community, to show that we know that we are connected to the larger world. Our Husky Pride means that we know that we have a role in making our world a better place. It doesn't surprise me to learn that this is the first student-led partnership in the state. I couldn't be prouder of our student government for taking this challenge on-their commitment and passion is what is making this partnership successful."
This unique opportunity is one that offers a learning experience beyond the walls of the classroom. Students are learning the value of giving back to a community that has supported them for many years. Students have hosted a number of fund-raisers already, and are presently making direct appeals to area businesses and the Husky feeder schools.
Forest Hills Husky Tiffany Ghent commented, "Our student government is showing amazing leadership through their work for Habitat and it is great to see the potential of student energy unleashed to make a change in our community. The students have already hosted a number of successful fund raisers, and it is great to see the whole student body getting involved. Just before winter break the students hosted a spaghetti supper and small auction of Adirondack chairs that our workshop students crafted and then the art students painted. They were absolutely gorgeous. The kids are planning a number of other fund-raisers, especially during our sweetheart swirl week. It is great to see them working so hard and having so much fun all the while making a lasting difference in the lives of a stranger."
- Chrissy, FHN student -->
For more information on how you can participate, contact Cheryl Molhoek at cmolhoek@habitatkent.org or contact FHN Prinicpal Jon Gregory at 616-493-8600.
Student Testimonials
"Over the past year, it has been a lot of fun and rewarding to help raise money for Habitat. Serving food and selling boards to FHN families and students were two fun ways I helped Habitat. Also, building the home is a great experience. After a day of hard work, you can step back and actually see the difference you made and that is a very cool feeling."
- Andrea Bouwheis (12th grade)
"It felt good to know I was building a house for someone who wouldn't otherwise have one."
- Kyle Johnson (12th grade)
"I really enjoyed going to Habitat for Humanity. This is such a great way to help a family and support them as much as I can. I really hope that the family will appreciate our help and like their new home. I will definitely go back to help finish the rest of the house. I really want to paint and do the garden part."
- Naveen Kaur (12th grade)
Hear what more students have to say...
Build Sponsors
The Students of Forest Hills Northern High School raised more than $70,000 to build the Habitat home on Jerome. They also volunteered over 3,000 hours to help build it. This is the first student lead Habitat build in the State of Michigan. Congratulations!
Build Info
Start date: April 2 2009
Projected completion date: June 30 2009
View the media packet
The Forest Hills Northern-Habitat is a unique partnership in that it is a student-led partnership. In fact, it is the first of its kind in the state of Michigan, and while the partnership will result in a simple, decent, affordable LEED-certified home for a hard-working family), it also provides the FHN students with a number of exciting benefits:
- Service Learning - not only will students learn new skills, but they will have a direct opportunity to learn more about the causes and effects of poverty as they work side by side with the future Habitat homeowner;
- Philanthropy - students are learning the very real and tangible lesson that each person can make a difference in making the world a better place;
- Green Building - as Habitat of Kent County is the national leader in affordable green-building, students will be on the cutting edge of the green build conversation.
Forest Hills Northern Principal Jon Gregory notes, "This partnership makes great sense. Our school is diverse, both economically and culturally, and yet we are united, taking care of each other as a single community. We want to bring this understanding out into the community, to show that we know that we are connected to the larger world. Our Husky Pride means that we know that we have a role in making our world a better place. It doesn't surprise me to learn that this is the first student-led partnership in the state. I couldn't be prouder of our student government for taking this challenge on-their commitment and passion is what is making this partnership successful."
This unique opportunity is one that offers a learning experience beyond the walls of the classroom. Students are learning the value of giving back to a community that has supported them for many years. Students have hosted a number of fund-raisers already, and are presently making direct appeals to area businesses and the Husky feeder schools.
Forest Hills Husky Tiffany Ghent commented, "Our student government is showing amazing leadership through their work for Habitat and it is great to see the potential of student energy unleashed to make a change in our community. The students have already hosted a number of successful fund raisers, and it is great to see the whole student body getting involved. Just before winter break the students hosted a spaghetti supper and small auction of Adirondack chairs that our workshop students crafted and then the art students painted. They were absolutely gorgeous. The kids are planning a number of other fund-raisers, especially during our sweetheart swirl week. It is great to see them working so hard and having so much fun all the while making a lasting difference in the lives of a stranger."
- Chrissy, FHN student -->
For more information on how you can participate, contact Cheryl Molhoek at cmolhoek@habitatkent.org or contact FHN Prinicpal Jon Gregory at 616-493-8600.
Student Testimonials
"Over the past year, it has been a lot of fun and rewarding to help raise money for Habitat. Serving food and selling boards to FHN families and students were two fun ways I helped Habitat. Also, building the home is a great experience. After a day of hard work, you can step back and actually see the difference you made and that is a very cool feeling."
- Andrea Bouwheis (12th grade)
"It felt good to know I was building a house for someone who wouldn't otherwise have one."
- Kyle Johnson (12th grade)
"I really enjoyed going to Habitat for Humanity. This is such a great way to help a family and support them as much as I can. I really hope that the family will appreciate our help and like their new home. I will definitely go back to help finish the rest of the house. I really want to paint and do the garden part."
- Naveen Kaur (12th grade)
Hear what more students have to say...
Build Sponsors
The Students of Forest Hills Northern High School raised more than $70,000 to build the Habitat home on Jerome. They also volunteered over 3,000 hours to help build it. This is the first student lead Habitat build in the State of Michigan. Congratulations!