Students from multiple programs at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies in School District Five collaborated to design, build, and light a new display for the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission’s annual Saluda Shoals Holiday Lights on the River. This year, they completed a three-dimensional carousel scene featuring Santa’s elves riding reindeer and polar bears.
The following instructors and programs participated in constructing the holiday light display: Electrical Technologies (Jon Gray), Digital Art & Design (Jeanette Mangels), and Agriculture & Biosystems Engineering (Kevin Sox). Students were tasked with conceptualizing, designing, creating, and lighting the display.
“I continue to be amazed at how our Digital Arts, Electrical, and Agriculture students have raised the bar with each project year after year,” said Center for Advanced Technical Studies Assistant Director Roy Frick. “It’s inspiring to see so many programs working together on a project of this scale. This type of collaboration mirrors real-world experiences where various groups and companies come together to achieve a common goal. A huge thank you to Ms. Mangels, Mr. Gray, Mr. Sox, and all the students who dedicated countless hours to making this project a success.”
In addition to creating the display, students joined Saluda Shoals staff on November 3 for a decoration day, helping install ground lighting and signage throughout the park.
Students Involved in the Project: Ben Cayton (Chapin High), Drake Coogler (Spring Hill High), Stephen Chudd (Spring Hill High), Ana Dunn (Irmo High), Chloe Faust (Chapin High), Raven Ford (Dutch Fork High), Nick Fornier (Chapin High), Lorelei Fridel (Spring Hill High), Piper Godwin (Spring Hill High), Dawson Gantt (Spring Hill High), Carly Mae Gardner (Spring Hill High), Madeline Heaps (Spring Hill High), Hailey Johns (Spring Hill High), Khanh Long Letran (Irmo High), Tyler Loschiavo (Spring Hill High), Doon McDermott (Spring Hill High), Terrill McKnight (Irmo High), Peyton Maddox (Spring Hill High), Kennedy Parker (Irmo High), Momiji Shimamura (FIVE), Rayshaud Smith-Gilchrist (Irmo High), Desiree Southgate (Chapin High), Olivia Stewart (Dutch Fork High), Khai Suan (Dutch Fork High), Elizah Sweat (Dutch Fork High), Madison Thornhill (Chapin High), Karina Villavicercio (Dutch Fork High), Jada White (Dutch Fork High), and Kendyll Windish (Spring Hill High).
The Center’s display, along with more than 400 other animated displays, will be showcased until December 31 at Saluda Shoals Park during the Holiday Lights on the River event. Visit www.icrc.net for more information.
The Center for Advanced Technical Studies serves students from all four high schools in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, offering career-focused programs to prepare students for college and high-tech careers.
