Shikellamy Students Complete $350K Library Renovation

High school students showcase hands-on construction and technical skills in yearlong project.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Students in the career and technical education program at Shikellamy High School in Sunbury, Pennsylvania have completed a nearly yearlong renovation of their school library, costing $350,000. The students handled all aspects of the project, from demolition to framing, electrical, plumbing, and finishes, gaining valuable real-world experience in construction trades.

Why it matters

The library renovation project allowed Shikellamy students to apply their classroom learning in a hands-on, practical setting, showcasing the value of career and technical education programs that provide students with tangible skills for the workforce. The completed project demonstrates the students' capabilities and the school district's commitment to preparing them for future careers.

The details

The idea for the library renovation project came last year from the school's construction trades class. Teacher Andrew Meyer says the timing was perfect, as the library needed renovations and the project aligned with the state's curriculum requirements for the students to gain experience in all aspects of construction, from framing to electrical, plumbing, and finishes. The students handled the entire renovation process, from initial demolition to the final product.

  • The project began with demolition in January 2025.
  • Framing work started in early 2025 and continued through the year.
  • The renovation was completed in early 2026.

The players

Andrew Meyer

Shikellamy High School Technical Education Teacher who oversaw the library renovation project.

Jordan Bachman

Shikellamy High School senior who worked on the renovation project, gaining experience in drywall, electrical, and carpeting.

Roslyn Snyder

Shikellamy High School junior who worked on the renovation project and marveled at the students' ability to complete the entire architectural design and construction.

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What they’re saying

“The state task list, the students have to do everything from framing to electrical, plumbing, finishes. This whole project fit the bill perfectly. We started demo last January and then started framing last year, and then picked right back up to a finished product this year.”

— Andrew Meyer, Shikellamy High School Technical Education Teacher (wnep.com)

“When I got here in the beginning, everything was stripped dry, we had nothing done other than the whole library being demoed. When I got in here, I learned a lot, I learned how to hang drywall, all the electrical work, and weigh carpet. It was a learning experience.”

— Jordan Bachman, Shikellamy High School senior (wnep.com)

“All of the architecture that went behind it, I just think it's crazy to see and know that us as kids built this ourselves with just materials, just the materials that we had and that were provided to us.”

— Roslyn Snyder, Shikellamy High School junior (wnep.com)

What’s next

The school district plans to showcase the completed library renovation project to the community and highlight the skills and capabilities of the students who worked on it.

The takeaway

The Shikellamy High School library renovation project demonstrates the value of career and technical education programs that provide students with hands-on, real-world experience. By allowing students to take the lead on a significant construction project, the school has equipped them with tangible skills and a sense of pride and accomplishment that will serve them well in future careers.