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Over 200 Snow College students assist in rebuilding efforts in Fountain Green

By Staff | Sep 18, 2024

Snow College students showed up for their community in a big way on Saturday, September 7.

Snow College students demonstrated remarkable community spirit on Saturday, Sept. 7, by assisting the town of Fountain Green in recovery efforts following severe flooding. The town, located about 20 miles from Snow College’s Ephraim campus, was significantly impacted by a massive thunderstorm on Aug. 18. Approximately half of the homes in Fountain Green suffered damage from the flooding, leaving many residents in need of help.

The initiative was organized by David Barker, professor of construction technology at Snow College. Initially, Barker anticipated around 40-50 students to volunteer for the project. However, the turnout far exceeded his expectations, with over 200 students showing up to lend a hand. As word of the event spread, even more students across the campus expressed interest in participating.

The volunteers were divided into two groups to maximize their efforts in aiding the town. The first group collaborated with Mayor Mark Combs to remove sandbags that had been placed weeks earlier to protect homes from the flooding. This task required approximately six hours of labor, during which students tirelessly hauled the heavy, dirty sandbags away. Their efforts made a significant impact, aiding the town’s recovery and helping to restore some normalcy for the residents.

The second group worked under the guidance of Professor Barker to tackle interior repairs in homes affected by the flood. They focused on installing new sheetrock in damaged homes. The group was organized into ten teams, each led by a student from the Construction Technology program. Despite many volunteers having little to no experience in construction, their enthusiasm and willingness to learn were evident. The teams worked efficiently to remove old, damaged drywall and replace it with new sheets, ultimately installing over 350 sheets of drywall in homes throughout Fountain Green.

Reflecting on the day’s efforts, Professor Barker expressed his admiration for the students’ dedication and positive attitude. “It was a whirlwind of a day, but the residents of Fountain Green were so appreciative,” he remarked. “Our students were in good spirits and smiling the whole time as they worked hard throughout the day.”

About Snow College

Founded in 1888, Snow College has a rich history and serves more than 5,000 students. With campuses in Ephraim and Richfield, Utah, and a learning center in Nephi, the college is committed to helping students graduate debt-free and gain valuable experience for their future careers. Snow College offers a personalized environment and a wide range of opportunities, allowing students to explore and discover their potential. More information about Snow College can be found at [www.snow.edu](http://www.snow.edu).

The students’ participation in the relief efforts in Fountain Green exemplifies the college’s spirit of community involvement and service, showcasing the impact of coming together to support neighbors in times of need.

Snow College Professor of Construction Technology David Barker organized the event. After talking with students, he hoped to have 40-50 show up to help, but they far surpassed his expectations and over 200 Snow College students gathered to help Fountain Green rebuild.

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