Students Build New Sound Booth for Highlands High School Auditorium

Students in Mr. Derek Kaminski’s Advanced Wood 3 Class completed the construction of a new sound booth for the Highlands High School auditorium, turning a real district need into a valuable hands-on learning experience.

Last summer, IT systems analyst Mr. Mackinly Adams approached Mr. Kaminski about having his students construct a new sound booth. "The students in my class were very optimistic about joining this venture. However, they still wanted to work on their own class project as well," said Kaminski. "So finding a balance between the two was important."

Mr. Kaminski created a materials list, cleared the class involvement with Buildings & Grounds Director Dr. Stan Whiteman, met with district maintenance personnel to gather their input, and ordered the necessary materials.

Working alongside Mr. Kaminski and with technical design support from Tech Ed teacher Mr. Matt Stiff and an engineering student, the Advanced Wood 3 students built the booth entirely in-house—including the Formica countertops and trim. District electrician Mr. Doug Ament completed the electrical work.

The project gave students the opportunity to apply their woodworking, design, and problem-solving skills while creating a permanent feature that will support school events and performances for years to come, exemplifying the district's focus on career and workforce readiness.

“I was really happy to do a lot of hands-on work and give back to the community,” said recent graduate Luke Hewitt, who contributed to the project during his senior year.

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