The final session of O&G Builds at Norton Elementary School brought the program full circle, giving students one last hands-on experience while celebrating the many lessons, trades, and relationships they explored throughout the year.
The session featured Richard’s Corporation, the project’s site work contractor, whose team focused the day on two themes that have been woven throughout the entire O&G Builds program: safety and leadership. Drawing from more than 30 years of partnership with O&G, the Richard’s team explained how both are essential to every successful project.
Students learned how safety is built into every part of the job, from wearing proper PPE and following site rules to conducting daily safety meetings, reports, and Job Safety Task Analyses before work begins. The team also spoke about what leadership looks like in construction, emphasizing the importance of motivation, planning, communication, and working closely with others to achieve a common goal.
Richard’s Corporation also gave students a broader look at the many different roles involved in site work and how every position contributes to the success of a project. From operators and laborers to foremen and superintendents, students saw firsthand how teamwork drives construction forward.
Out on the jobsite, the excitement level was high as students climbed onto an excavator and a loader and even had the chance to operate a remote-controlled sheep’s foot roller. They also became the very first students to try out the new playground, giving them an early glimpse of the spaces that future Norton students will enjoy for years to come.
The group then took a final tour of the school, seeing how close the building is to completion and learning about the finishing touches still underway, including final coats of paint, flooring installation, ceiling tiles, fixtures, equipment, and furniture. As they exited the site, many of the workers the students had met throughout the year gathered by the gate to say goodbye, creating a meaningful send off that reflected the strong connections built during the program.
Back in the trailer, students celebrated their graduation from O&G Builds with lunch and diplomas recognizing their participation and curiosity throughout the year. To close out the program, students voted on their favorite sessions by applause and fittingly, the final session earned the loudest cheers of all.
Over the course of the program, Norton students explored nearly every aspect of building a school, from design and engineering to electrical systems, masonry, drywall, flooring, HVAC, and site work. More importantly, they experienced the teamwork, craftsmanship, leadership, and partnerships that make projects like Norton Elementary possible.
A sincere thank you to the O&G project team and all our trade partners who dedicated their time, expertise, and energy to making O&G Builds such a memorable and meaningful experience for these students. Together, they helped inspire the next generation while continuing to build trust within the community.
