Mount Michael’s architecture program, taught by Mrs. Shanna Sedlacek, continues to set itself apart as one of the school’s most unique electives. Offering students an introduction to the architecture and engineering worlds, the program gives its students hands-on experience in design and construction, which are skills rarely taught in high school.

This year, seniors in the fourth year of the program took on a special project. They spent the first semester designing, building, and finishing their own unique benches, which were then donated to the Nebraska Humane Society. These benches will be used in outdoor spaces where visitors interact with dogs up for adoption, providing a lasting impact for the shelter.

“I feel that building the benches was a great way to learn basic woodworking while making an impact on the community,” Connor Smith said. This sentiment highlights the project, which combines learning new skills with service, a Benedictine values.

The assignment was not limited to only construction. Students were also required to document their work by creating step-by-step instruction manuals for their designs. These manuals included a list of the materials and resources used to construct the benches. The goal was to ensure the project used the student’s problem-solving skills while teaching the importance of a thought-out design.

Seniors Quinn Wamsley, Jak Kosierowski, Connor Smith, and Blaze Bosilevac each constructed their own unique benches. The semester tested their attention to detail while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. “The hardest part was figuring out all the angles on the side parts of my bench,” Wamsley said.

Through projects like these, Mount Michael’s architecture program not only introduces technical skills but also instills a sense of community. By combining education with real-world applications, students leave the program better prepared for their futures and more aware of the positive impact they can make.