When your firm’s vision is to enhance the lives of people it serves, your actions must go beyond design and construction. At Garmann Miller, that can mean rolling up our sleeves alongside students to make a positive impact. That’s exactly what happened when GM’s Construction Administrator Garrick Manning recently volunteered his time for the Pataskala, Ohio-based Southwest Licking School District.

The project, a student-led initiative by the Eco Warriors student group of Watkins Memorial High School, focused on creating a Paver Monument to raise funds for campus improvements. Local businesses supported the initiative by making donations to purchase pavers of varying sizes. The funds also went toward planting trees and enhancing the sustainability of the school grounds. Installation took place in front of the high school and was part of the district’s ongoing effort to create a greener, more inviting environment for students and the community.

“It was rewarding to see the students taking pride in their campus and working to make it more sustainable,” Manning said.

With a background in masonry, Manning was asked by the Southwest Licking Maintenance and Grounds Department to help prepare the subgrade and install the pavers. Together with WMHS students, they planted multiple trees as part of the project. For Manning, the highlight was getting students involved in his craft by giving them a hands-on learning experience.

“The best part of this project was working with the students to lay the final pavers and sharing a bit about the trade that has opened so many doors for me,” he said.

The paver initiative showcased the district’s commitment to sustainability and underscored the 10-year partnership between Southwest Licking and Garmann Miller. GM designed the new WMHS and Watkins Intermediate School in addition to the renovation of Watkins Middle School to align with future campus expansions.

We’re proud to support initiatives like this that blend education, community and sustainability. It shows the power of collaboration and the lasting impact of community-driven efforts.