A couple of years ago, Orchard partnered with Stanley Security, which operates under the Fortune 500 manufacturer Stanley Black & Decker Inc., to upgrade the school’s alarm system and possibly redesign the security cameras in the building. Throughout this process, two representatives from Stanley Security, Regional Sales Manager Jeffrey Meaux and Senior Security Consultant Myra Schnitzler, heard about the state-of-the-art #OrchardMakerspace and knew they had to help.

 

“Our slogan at Stanley Black and Decker is ‘For Those Who Make the World,’ Myra said. “So being able to provide tools and be a part of such an amazing program is an honor and helps us live out our company slogan.”

 

Makerspace Coordinator Scott Weaver says this generous donation of high-quality tools (DeWalt) will have an immediate impact on productivity. “Students will start building sets for this year's musical and begin making furniture for the Makerspace,” Scott said. “Not to mention, all of the other daily-projects where quality tools help ensure the job is done safely, efficiently, and with quality craftsmanship.”

 

The Fred Lorenz Makerspace, named in honor of Orchard’s legendary shop teacher, is a fully-funded element of Orchard’s current Capital Campaign, Celebrating our Roots, Cultivating for the Future. The 3,737 square-foot new addition is pursuing LEED-certification and will strengthen the school’s commitment to hands-on, experiential learning.

 

According to Scott, nothing makes learning by doing more fun and engaging than having the right tools to get the job done. “These tools represent an overall upgrade as we seek to establish a state-of-the-art facility that would make Fred Lorenz proud.”