After a father asked his community on social media for a better place for his 5-year-old son to wait for the school bus, students in Westerly High School’s Construction Technology program built a dedicated shelter, Opposing Views reported, citing WJAR.
Opposing Views says Ryder Kilam uses a wheelchair and must travel about 75 feet to the end of his driveway to meet the bus for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School. His family had been using a patio umbrella for cover, but wind and bad weather made it unreliable.
A social post lands in shop class
According to Opposing Views, the request reached teacher Dan McKena, who has led the Westerly High program for 27 years. Students decided to construct a bus-stop shelter for Ryder. Three classes contributed, and senior Mason Heald took the build as his senior project, researching techniques and working under McKena’s supervision.
Built before winter, made for access
Opposing Views reports the students aimed to finish before winter so Ryder wouldn’t face snow and freezing conditions at the curb. The shelter was designed with space for Ryder and for his father or nurses to comfortably assist him. One of Ryder’s older brothers is in the construction program, Opposing Views noted.
Community pitched in
Per Opposing Views, Home Depot donated approximately $300 worth of lumber, and the Kilam family covered remaining costs. Former construction student and Westerly High graduate Ryan Perrin transported the finished shelter to the family’s home.
More than a bus stop
Once installed, Ryder loved the shelter so much that his family told Opposing Views he treated it like a personal fort and even asked to spend time there after school. Opposing Views also reports that McKena received a photo from the family showing Ryder grinning in the new shelter; McKena shared it with his students, telling them the smile made their effort worthwhile.
“We just want to thank them”
“We just want to thank them,” Ryder’s father, Tim Kilam, said, as quoted by Opposing Views. The outlet noted the family hopes Ryder will meet the students who built the shelter.
Editor’s note: Opposing Views stated the story originally made the news in November 2021 and credited WJAR as a source.
