Centered above the majestic entrance of City Hall in Jersey City is a brand-new, 4-foot light fixture specially designed to fit the aesthetics of the 126-year-old building. The fixture itself is impressive and complements efforts to upgrade the historic building while preserving its charm. What makes it even more impressive is that it was built entirely by high school students from Hudson County Schools of Technology.
About a dozen students in varying levels of welding technology courses worked to fabricate and assemble the lantern-style fixture. Their instructor, Brian Beebe, said hands-on learning is an essential part of career and technical education, but this real-world project captured students’ commitment and attention in a way that accelerated their learning. The students knew their work would become a focal point of the grand, 40-foot entryway.
