What started as a classroom project turned into a gift that will be enjoyed for years to come when Interior Design and Family Consumer Science students from Charles D. Owen High School transformed an empty space at the Donald S. Collins Early Learning Center into an engaging indoor playroom for young learners.
Under the direction of Interior Design teacher Brittany Whitworth, students planned, designed, and built the new space from the ground up. Using funding from a grant awarded to the high school, they carefully selected play equipment, toys, and learning resources that would support early childhood development while also creating a welcoming and fun environment. From cozy reading corners to hands-on activity areas, every detail was designed with little learners in mind.
While the room was coming together, students in Ashley Beauregard’s Family and Consumer Science classes were busy in the kitchen preparing a special meal for the children and staff at the center. Their homemade dishes added an extra layer of care and celebration to the day, making everyone feel appreciated and welcomed.
The collaboration gave the high school students the chance to put their classroom skills into action in a meaningful way. Interior Design students gained real-world experience designing for a specific client and age group, while Family and Consumer Science students practiced culinary and hospitality skills in a service-focused setting.
Thanks to the grant that funded the equipment and learning materials, the Donald S. Collins Early Learning Center received more than just a new play room. It received a space filled with creativity, care, and community spirit built by students who were proud to give back and make a lasting difference for some of Buncombe County’s youngest learners.
