Manoa Elementary sixth graders: Tessa Nishida, Shaun Slade and Jared Nonaka with Librarian Imelda Amano. Photo courtesy of Graham Builders.
By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– Manoa Elementary’s library underwent changes, necessitating the use of upper shelves. Manoa Elementary’s Librarian Imelda Amano used this as an opportunity to engage the students in a stepstool building contest. She consulted with Graham Builders’ President Evan Fujimoto, who gave the students guidelines when developing their design such as a wide base, light weight, easy storage, slots for gripping, simple materials, multifunctional and a school theme. Nearly 40 sixth graders entered, submitting 25 drawings. Graham Builders then scored the designs and carpenter James Jonas spent about 6 hours hand-crafting the top two scoring stools, which are being presented today to the students at the library.
The entire project is a win-win for all. Amano got two new stepstools without touching her library budget, the kids get to see their ideas turned into reality and Graham Builders has a chance to help the community.
With help from Graham Builders and carpenter James Jonas, the students stepstool design became a reality. Photo courtesy of Graham Builders.
Graham Builders is Hawaii’s most experienced design and build company, crafting quality homes that last for generations. A true partner to clients, for the past 20 years Graham Builders has been guiding families through the design-build process, step-by-step with the most experienced professionals. The only design and build company in the state to have dedicated designers on staff to create a family’s Home for Life, Graham Builders works closely with families through a collaborative process to bring their dreams to life. Leaders in multi-generation homes and aging-in-place design, Graham Builders is able to provide its expertise to those who need to modify their current home so they can live there for a lifetime. Graham Builders is the winner of the 2007 Better Business Bureau of Hawaii Torch Award for ethics in small business, and owns the distinction of being the first builder ever to win this prestigious award. The company has also been honored with 2008 Pacific Business News’ Business Leadership Award. For more information visit www.grahambuilders.com.