A half-constructed shed sat in the industrial technology area of Austin High School for part of last year.

The shed was meant for Neveln Elementary so the school could use it for a fund-raiser, but the project was never completed.

When four students in Terry Carlson's construction technology class were given the project this spring, they decided to start from scratch.

"We totally stripped it down to the floor," said Josh Ruhter, an 11th-grader. They recalled the structure was barely a frame with the roof falling in and no siding or floor.

Now it stands in one of the AHS garages, ready to be delivered to Neveln Elementary for them to store physical education equipment and aluminum cans, which are being collected to raise money for the school.

When Ruhter, senior Mike Brenden, junior Dustin Josephson and junior Sean Selmecki completed their mock sheds in class, they were asked to build the Neveln shed.

The shed is made of wood and siding and has a shingled roof. The students said team work helped them complete the project.

"It made things go smooth, more quickly," Ruhter said.

Brenden liked the experience they received while building it.

"It was fun," Brenden said.

Carlson said he tries to have the students in his classes work on projects that allow them to learn various aspects of construction. By working on the shed, students were able to learn how to do soffets, roofing, wall framing, siding and flooring.

"They've done a pretty good job," Carlson said.

The students are planning to deliver the shed to the school this week.

Neveln students have been collecting cans since last year, said Mark Anderson, Neveln student council adviser. The money raised goes toward library books, computers and other events or equipment needs that come up during the year.

Anderson brings bags of cans to a salvage yard each week and usually receives about $5 to $10 for a bagful.

Anderson has seen the shed and is grateful for the student's work.

"It's wonderful," Anderson said.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com