Teacher Community Service Award

Often, when one thinks of community service it is always an honorable service to perform for others that are in need.  However, this community service program is unique and definitely made a difference in the lives of those that were chosen to receive this assistance.

ACTEAZ is proud to honor West-MEC’s Northeast Campus General Construction program, under the guidance of its instructor, Mr. Charlie Ellis. This program partnered with Operation Enduring Gratitude on an impactful community service project.

West-MEC students worked with teams of industry professionals to renovate and revitalize the home of an elderly Navy veteran’s widow whose home was condemned by the City of Glendale. This woman had no support system in place until the Construction Class saw the need, took it on and accomplished a very special goal.

The students honed their plumbing, roofing, drywall, electrical, and masonry skills learned in their classroom by working in tandem with their industry partners. The students removed and installed updated windows, drywalled the home’s interior, and inspected electrical and plumbing needs to bring the house up to building code standards. The Arizona Masonry Council and Avanti Windows were instrumental in providing valuable trade feedback to West-MEC students during the renovation process. 

But more importantly, these students gave of themselves, learned the value of compassion, and brought some sense of well-being to the Navy Veterans Widow who had no one to provide this level of compassion and care.  This was truly a community serve to make a lifetime impact on the students, the Navy widow, and the teacher. Mr. Ellis, please thank your students again for the contribution of care they provided.