'Days of Impact'

A collage showing volunteers with Erwin High, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, and Eaton Corp.

By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department

When our community comes together, everyone wins!

As part of the United Way’s biannual Days of Impact, Clyde A. Erwin High School, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, and Eaton Corporation teamed up on Friday to paint basketball and foursquare courts in Johnston Elementary School’s playground area.

Erwin High’s drafting class, led by Mr. Matt Carpenter, spent the morning laying chalk and spray paint lines for the courts. That afternoon, United Way volunteers from Eaton Corp. painted the courts.

“It feels good to be able to help younger kids and give them something nice to play on,” said Erwin senior Benjamin Smith. “I think it’s important for the older students to give back and be role models for the kids.”

It makes a difference, Mr. Carpenter added. Before Friday’s project, there were basketball goals but no regulation lines on the blacktop.

“Something as simple as a few lines can make a world of difference for the kids that are competitive,” he said. “They’re tickled over it, and I’m sure they’ll get a lot of enjoyment out of it.”

Drafting, part of Erwin’s Career and Technical Education (CTE), combines math and technical drawing, important skills for potential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. The field also demonstrates the value of planning by beginning with the end in mind.

“The whole design process starts with an idea, then a sketch, then layouts and adaptations,” Mr. Carpenter said. “This gives you a framework for planning a project in the future, and that’s good for their careers and for life.”

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