A group of five advanced metals students from OHS did not use a pumpkin to create a carriage similar to the one found in the story of “Cinderella.”
The class was approached by the Ottumwa Symphony committee about building a carriage for their upcoming events. They are hosting a fashion show on October 6 and the annual Symphony Ball in December.
Building the fairy tale carriage frame was more complicated than imagined. Things to consider included the initial design of the frame as well as the height, length, and circumference of the actual carriage.
The five, Dawson Breese, Charles Willhoit, Cory Clark, Austin Moore, and Connor Sheehan, had one year of metals experience. They did research on the internet and sketched a drawing with rough dimensions. After collecting materials, the real work began. The spindles and wheel spokes had to be bent, an axle made, and all the parts welded together. The group split into teams to accomplish their goal.
“The students made everything from scratch,” said Brandon Brooks, instructor. The project also provided an opportunity to use a variety of machines the students hadn’t used before. “It also taught the boys time management skills.”
“I worked during lunch period, my free period, and after school to get the ball done,” said Breese, an OHS junior.
The metals course will help the boys in a variety of ways. Breese plans to join the Air Force and if he doesn’t fly, plans to be an aviation mechanic. Willhoit plans to farm after graduation and will use his metal skills on equipment maintenance and repair. Moore plans to enter the laser program after graduation and while Connor is undecided, he enjoys working with his hands and will use the skills he has learned as an adult.
The completed carriage was picked up Friday morning, September 30. “People were amazed that high school students built it,” said Shea Earlywine, Ottumwa Symphony committee member. “We are very thankful that Mr. Brooks was as excited to partner as we were.”
“I’ve never been so excited about anything Cinderella before,” one student commented to Brooks.
