Lowell Institute of Technology students, instructors, and Lowell firefighters from the West 6th Street Fire Department hold two signs they created for the Lowell Engine 6 and Ladder 4 fire station in the Centralville District. standing. (Courtesy of Greater Lowell Tech)
TYGSBORO — Students from Greater Lowell Technical High School's Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, Carpentry, and Painting and Design programs combined their talents to create two new signs for the Lowell Fire Department's West 6th Street Fire Station.
Lowell Fire Department Lt. Sean Sirois, who works at the West 6th Street station where Engine 6 and Rudder 4 are located, contacted the school to inquire about having students replace the rotten station sign. Ta. Superintendent Jill Davis thought this would be a great community project for students to get involved in, and students and instructors from the CADD, carpentry, and painting and design programs jumped at the opportunity.
CADD students helped design the first logo and signage under the guidance of instructor Michael Stack.
Next, the carpentry students, under the guidance of instructor Michael Murphy, used a large CNC router to cut the AZEK PVC material into 2-foot by 8-foot signs, incorporating their design and department logo. I made two signs.
Painting and design students under instructor Michael Donahue then finished and painted the sign, experimenting with different types of paints and primers that work best with the weather-resistant PVC material.
The completed sign was presented to Assistant Fire Chief David Keene and firefighters from the West 6th Street Station on Friday, April 5, by students and instructors from the Painting and Design program. Firefighters brought pizza to share with students and instructors to thank them for their work. The students who contributed to the project signed the backs of two signs and took photos with the firefighters along with their instructors.
Sirois said he was impressed with the quality of work done by all the firefighters at the department.
“What you guys did with the paintings was phenomenal,” Sirois said. “Hats off to you and everyone who has done such a great job.”
Painting and Design student Yamixelis Suárez Aguiar said the project was challenging because it involved work that students had never done before.
“We used a new kind of material, and the fact that it was out in public definitely added pressure,” Suarez-Aguiar said. “But it also motivated us to really try our best.”
Painting and Design student Isabella Vieira said the new type of work the students had to do taught them new ways to draw and do things.
“It was very different from what we normally do. It taught us to adapt and adjust to different scenarios,” Vieira said.
Painting and design students Ashley Tineo and Januelis Torres are excited to be able to work in place of firefighters and know that their work will be seen by the community. He said it was fun.
“When I'm in the shop, everything is in a bubble and my work kind of stays within the school, so it was really nice to be able to work on a project that was so meaningful to other people.” said Beatriz Borba Brasil, a painting and design student.
“This project has had a very positive impact on the students, developing confidence in their abilities and pride in the work they do. Having their efforts showcased in the community is definitely a great experience for the students and their families. “It's a real testament to their hard work and dedication that we can point to their contributions and say, 'I was part of that,'” Davis said. Told.
