District News

Technology instructor teaches students while honoring late friend’s work

 

December, 2010

 

Canajoharie High School technology teacher Dwayne Heroth found a way to honor his late friend and educate his students simultaneously.

In February, longtime friend and fellow technology teacher Jeff Chapple passed away. He had taught at Fort Plain and was the husband of East Hill Elementary second grade teacher Mary Jean Chapple. When Mrs. Chapple told Mr. Heroth that her husband had been building a wooden kayak before he passed away, Mr. Heroth decided to finish it.

This fall, he brought it to class where three of his students have been working steadily to complete it.

“Jeff was a friend and I thought it would be good to finish what he started,” Mr. Heroth said.

“It’s also good because the students are learning about marine construction, fiber glassing and teamwork.”

Mr. Heroth’s students are focused and determined as they work on the 14-foot long kayak. They hammer, measure and consult with Mr. Heroth for instructions.

Ninth grade student Tyler Belmonte said called the project “difficult,” but still enjoys learning how to put the kayak together.

And Mrs. Chapple said she’s just “thankful and appreciative” of what Mr. Heroth and the students are doing.

“My husband was a project person at school and at home. They were very important to him. This was his last project and he was building it for me more than for himself,” she said.

“The fact that Dwayne and the students are finishing it is very special to me. I can’t explain what it means to me to have that kayak be finished.”

When it’s finished, Mrs. Chapple has one goal: learn how to use it. r.