Electrical construction students brighten Firetree Place
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor, unless otherwise noted
In the gymnasium at Firetree Place, a Williamsport community center, 18 Penn College electrical construction students installed new lighting. Here, instructor Joe R. Raup (right) shows Gavin R. Jordan, of Homer City, a new light’s electrical connection.
The gymnasium at Firetree Place shines bright after 18 Penn College electrical construction students installed new lighting for the nonprofit community center in Williamsport.
Students in two sections of Construction Lab IV-Practical Experience spent four days removing 28 outdated fixtures and replacing them with new energy efficient LED high bay lights.
“We identified eight circuits and rewired them for the new lights. The new lights only required half the number of circuits. We also removed abandoned stage lights and associated wiring that was no longer in use,” instructor Joe R. Raup said. “The students learned about working safely at heights using scissor lifts, and they gained insight on how lighting systems work in a gymnasium-type environment.”
The other section of the class is taught by Darrin S. Morse.
Jordan (at left) works with Patrick E. Riccio (center), of Barto, and Marcus M. Lett, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on adjusting the power output of a new light.
Throughout the course, electrical work is provided at no labor cost to area nonprofits so students can receive practical experience in real-world environments.
“It’s a win-win opportunity. The students gain invaluable experience, and community organizations benefit from their work,” Raup said.
Alec Eggerton, recreation director at Firetree Place, said the organization is “extremely grateful” for the students’ contribution.
“The old lighting was fine for basketball and other sports. But it was too dull when it came to pickleball, considering the speed of the game and the older athletes we serve,” Eggerton explained. “The new lights make a huge difference in tracking the ball and play in general. The lights have already been seen by about 90% of our members, and everyone is so thankful. This is something we could not have done without the donor who supplied the lights and the work of the students.”
The lighting system in the expansive gymnasium at Firetree Place provides the perfect practical laboratory for the electrical construction students.
Haleymaria L. Hallock (left), of Lewis Run, and Henry D. McCaughey, of Nashua, New Hampshire, prepare to install one of the new lights.
Hallock and McCaughey disconnect the electrical feed to the old lights ...
... before Hallock removes the outdated fixtures from the gym.
Raup (center) discusses power and color temperature settings with Lett (left) and Hallock.
Relaxing after a job well done! From left: Reilyn T. Swanson, of Kane; Alex L. Scantzos, of Reading; Brendan C. Hayden, of Berkshire, Massachusetts; Austin R. Carollo, of Lewisburg; Evan M. Lerch, of Honey Brook; Faith E. Murray, of Dillsburg; Connor Kocsis, of Dickson City; Trent J. Achey, of Millerton; and instructor Darrin S. Morse. (Photo by Alec Eggerton, Firetree Place)