On Wednesday, eleven Union-Endicott High School students spent the day transforming the UEHS Tree Room into a scene straight out of a fairytale—all using canned goods.
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As part of the Visions FCU Kids Can Build Canstruction competition, the students built a 7-foot-tall castle complete with a waterfall and moat, using 2,500 cans and 35 cases of bottled water. The project was equal parts engineering, architecture, and art.
The team—Melanie Scalcione, Amelia Swavola, Tristan Huff, Allison Mariano, Evan Swavola, Sneha Saha, Kathryn Pascarelli, Cayleigh Parker, Madilyn Swavola, John Herzing, and Aden Glover—collaborated under the guidance of technology teacher Mike Wichowski. Planning was extensive. Students calculated can counts, chose specific colors, and figured out how to interlock everything to create a stable structure.
During the build, they hit a few technical snags but pushed through with help from chemistry teacher Steve Tibensky. The result? A stunning castle that wowed both staff and students.
Once judging wrapped up, the castle was carefully disassembled, and all canned goods and water were donated to CHOW to help families in need.
Winners of the competition will be announced at an upcoming awards ceremony. No matter the outcome, this team already built something to be proud of.