On Wednesday, May 21, students enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Academy at St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Career Elevation and Technology Center (CETC) presented 10 handcrafted, metal American flags to current residents of the Veteran Community Project (VCP) in Longmont.
This event marks the beginning of a meaningful partnership between the CETC and VCP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing and support services to veterans. Moving forward, students in the academy will create a custom flag for each new resident as they make the VCP community their home.
Austin Mcfarlin, a Niwot High School student, shared his personal connection to the project. “I really enjoyed learning more about the fine art side of manufacturing,” he said. “Additionally, it was important for me to be a part of this because my grandpa is a veteran, and so I feel like this is a great way to give back to those who served.”
Brody Richards, a student at Erie High School, echoed that sentiment. “My favorite part of the whole project was helping to make gifts for veterans because it’s a great way to say ‘thank you’ for serving and protecting our country.”
The Advanced Manufacturing Academy prepares students for careers in fields like machining, welding, and engineering technology. Through real-world applications such as this partnership, students gain industry-relevant experience and learn the value of community engagement and service.
The Veteran Community Project, which began in Kansas City and has expanded to locations like Longmont, provides transitional housing in the form of tiny homes and connects veterans with essential support services. With this new collaboration, each veteran welcomed into the Longmont community will receive a personalized symbol of appreciation, crafted with pride by the next generation of the St. Vrain Valley Community. As the partnership continues, students and veterans alike stand to benefit from a shared mission of service, respect and resilience.