A group of Daniel Jenkins Academy (DJA) students participated in the Lowcountry Maritime School, which offered students the incredible opportunity to engage in the art and science of building wooden boats. This program is led by Sam Gervais, who serves as the executive director.

This hands-on activity enhanced a variety of skills for students such as accuracy, attention to detail, collaboration, communication, creativity, and learning how to utilize a variety of construction tools. One of the participants, DJA sophomore Isaiah Hess Rivers, enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity.

I loved working with my hands, said Hess Rivers. My peers and I had to collaborate to build our rowboat successfully. I want to thank Mr. Sam for providing us with the opportunity to build a boat and learn something new. I gained new skills that I can apply to different areas in my life.

Once students completed the construction of their rowboat, they, along with Gervais and Principal Quintella Middleton revealed and launched their rowboat earlier this month at Quarterman Park. Community members were also there to cheer them on.

In addition to students participating in the Lowcountry Maritime School project, they also piloted and completed a forklift training program. This program was in collaboration with Neal Brothers and the Community Resource Center, and for high school students and recent graduates.

Darryl Griffin, the Neal Brothers’ CEO, implemented this initiative and now offers students the opportunity to learn how to operate a forklift and safety procedures to earn their forklift certification and obtain employment through this unique program.

Neal Brothers, founded in 1916, is a global export packing company that aims to uplift the community by providing training, employment, financial stability, and career advancement within their organization to the program’s participants.

Eleven students (current and former) from DJA, North Charleston High School, and Wando High School successfully completed the program on June 6, 2024. They were offered employment positions with Neal Brothers.

DJA’s principal, Quintella Middleton, and staff are looking forward to growing this partnership to provide students with what Mr. Griffin calls “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

We are excited for Daniel Jenkins to offer these program again for the 2024-2025 school year.