February 27, 2026
A nonprofit organization, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, is made up of volunteers who build and deliver free beds to children in need so that no child has to sleep on the floor. (https://shpbeds.org/) Through this hands-on, service-driven experience, students saw firsthand how the skills they develop in the classroom can have a direct, lasting impact on their community.
Jacob Zeller, Construction Technology Instructor at Pathways Innovation Center, emphasized the value of real-world application. “It is important to use any opportunity to take the talents and skills that they are learning in class and apply them to real life, especially when they can do something that has a positive effect on the community,” he shared. “I am proud of them for stepping up and helping out. Hopefully, even more students will participate next year.”
This powerful project and experience reflect the heart of Career and Technical Education, connecting classroom knowledge to tangible skills that prepare students for high-demand careers while building confidence and competence. NCSD CTE Educator, Drew Gibson, emphasized the importance of service through skill-based learning. “I think it is important for students to connect with their community and gain a feeling of what it is like to give back,” he said. “Especially considering giving back may not always have to involve monetary value. In fact, one of the greatest things you can give to a cause is your time and skill set, which these students had in my group, considering they have taken Industrial Technology with me for multiple years now.”
Thank you to Casper College, Jason Eggemeyer - Casper College Engineering Technology and Design Instructor, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and all others whose dedication, time, and care made this day of opportunity and service possible.
A special thank you to the following NCSD students who volunteered their time and skills to share in this important project, making a difference beyond the classroom: Devonte Belving, Landon Bowman, Oliver Hansuld, Samuel Heward, Mateus Johnson, Winston Maxwell, Kyle Miller, Jaydin Propp, Aiden Vass, and Travis Weinel.
From Classroom to Community: Day of Service with Sleep In Heavenly Peace