MORGANTOWN — A local technical school was halfway through its Week of Service Wednesday. All proceeds from the event, which was held at the institute’s new facility, were donated to benefit a local animal shelter.
Laurel College of Technology — a branch of Laurel Business Institute in Uniontown, Pa. — offers a range of programs, including clinical medical assistant, cosmetology, electrical technician, hairstyling, massage therapy, nail technician, nursing, and phlebotomy technician.
The trade school relocated from its old building in Westover to its brand-new structure at 200 Wedgewood Drive in February, but hasn’t had a chance to show off the fresh facility due to the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the restrictions that accompanied it.
Campus Director Sherri Rimel said that the main purpose of the Week of Service was for the school’s staff, faculty and students to be able to celebrate the new location with their community — all while working for a good cause.
On Tuesday, community members were invited into the Laurel College of Technology building to build a lamp or toy of their choosing with guidance from the school’s electrical technician instructors. They could do this in exchange for a donation to Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia.
On Wednesday, the school facilitated a blood drive, a student cosmetology clinic and student-given chair massages. An Almost Heaven Kona Ice truck was present to contribute concessions.
On Thursday, the school will once again offer chair massages as well as hair service to attendees.
A Mr. Taco Taco truck was present at the event Tuesday and will be there again Thursday.
Executive Vice President of Laurel Business Institute Douglas Decker expressed pride and gratitude toward the students at Laurel College of Technology regarding the event.
“All the credit goes to the students and the work they’ve done,” he said.
He felt that the buildup to the event was tremendous to watch and said that the students immediately rallied behind the idea and put in the work to make it happen.
Lifted COVID-19 restrictions presented Laurel College of Technology with an opportunity to have an informal opening of its new facility, and showcase what is being taught at the institution.
“We’re so proud and fortunate,” Decker said of the students and staff that came together to make the Week of Service idea a reality.
Decker said that the Week of Service is intended to be the first in a series of events that will show Morgantown that Laurel College of Technology is here to be part of and serve the community in any way possible.
While administration has been reluctant to hold an official grand opening of the facility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans are in the works for Laurel College of Technology to have a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony this fall, possibly in early October.
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