Snow College students lend hope and helping hands
September 10, 2024–EPHRAIM, UT – Snow College students showed up for their community in a big way on Saturday, September 7. Fountain Green, located approximately 20 miles from the Snow College Ephraim campus, was still reeling after being hit with flooding after a massive thunderstorm covered the area on August 18, 2024. Officials estimated that roughly half of the homes in town were impacted, leaving many homes damaged.
Snow College Professor of Construction Technology David Barker organized the event. After talking with students, he hoped to have 40-50 show up to help, but they far surpassed his expectations and over 200 Snow College students gathered to help Fountain Green rebuild. As word about the event spread, more and more groups got involved. Students from across campus were excited for the chance to serve the community.
The students were split into two groups. The first group worked with Mayor Mark Combs to remove the sandbags that were placed weeks earlier. This was a huge effort made easier with all the helping hands. This group put in approximately six hours of labor hauling the heavy and dirty sandbags away. They did quite a bit to clean up the town and assist the residents.
The second group worked with Professor Barker to install sheetrock in homes that were damaged in the flooding. Ten teams were created, with a Construction Technology student leading each team. Most of the students had little to no experience, but each one had the desire to learn and help where they could. Each team removed old, damaged drywall and installed new drywall. Overall, the students installed more than 350 sheets of drywall in homes across town.
Professor Barker was impressed with the student who came to help. He said, “It was a whirlwind of a day, but the residents of Fountain Green were so appreciative. Our students were in good spirits and smiling the whole time as they worked hard throughout the day.”
Snow College, founded in 1888 by Utah pioneers, is a two-year college with campuses located in Ephraim and Richfield, Utah, and a learning center in Nephi, Utah. Serving more than 5,000 students, the college is committed to helping students graduate debt-free, gain resume-worthy experience, and develop a plan for the future. The affordable price and personalized environment full of opportunities allow students who find Snow College to find themselves. Learn more about all Snow College has to offer online at snow.edu.
