Neva Fullmer, a Welding Technology student at the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology in Willow Grove, has been repairing a cart used by the STRIVE (Students Transitioning in Recreation, Independence, and Vocational Employment) students at Abington High School.

STRIVE serves young adults with complex needs in vocation, functional academics, and independent living skills. These students work daily at various job sites around Abington High School’s building to practice vocational skills.

Fullmer, a senior at Hatboro-Horsham High School, has been revamping the cart by reinforcing its structure and sourcing larger, sturdier wheels to ensure the cart can handle heavier loads.

Last year, STRIVE launched an on-site laundry service in partnership with the health suite, family and consumer science, ceramics, and physical education departments. Each day, STRIVE students collect laundry from these locations and take it to Abington’s industrial-sized washer and dryer. After drying, the students fold the laundry and deliver it back to the respective areas throughout the building.

“Our current cart was donated to the program last year, but unfortunately, it’s not holding up well,” said Caitlin Pringle, STRIVE Transition Teacher at Abington Senior High School. “The wheels are small and often get stuck at the elevator entrance, causing some to pop off. We’ve tried fixing it with duct tape and glue, but larger wheels would be ideal. There are also some structural weaknesses that might benefit from welding. We love this cart because many of my students are nearly 6 feet tall, and its height helps them avoid bending over while pushing it.”

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Photos: ECAT