Great Dane Trailers has supported improvements to Kewanee schools for years, and on Tuesday, company officials stopped by Kewanee High School to take a look at some of the things that support helped bring about.
Seven Great Dane people from the Kewanee plant and other company offices toured the school, spending most of their time in the Great Dane Welding Center.
The center is part of the industrial arts campus at the school. Part of it is located in a building addition funded by a federal grant issued in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
The center features modern welding equipment where students can learn various types of welding.
Company officials joined Kewanee School District leaders in a ribbon cutting to officially open the welding center.
Jacob Myers, KHS agriculture teacher who teaches in the school’s welding program, said students are being introduced to the various types of welding throughout the school year. Ag students also learn land surveying, electrical work and small-engine repair.
“I cannot thank you enough,” Supt. Dr. Chris Sullens told the Great Dane representatives. “You guys are definitely setting the bar high.”
Sullens said Great Dane has provided great support of the Kewanee community, both for the employment opportunities it proves and for its financial support to Kewanee schools and other non-profit organizations in the city.
KHS Principal Rebecca Baney said school district officials recognize the importance of the skilled trades in the community.
She pointed out that Kewanee High School’s motto is “Simply the Best,” and said the school couldn’t be the best without the support of Great Dane and other Kewanee businesses and organizations.
Liz Breedlove, who recently retired as executive director of the Kewanee Schools Foundation, said the Kewanee School District has benefited for many years from the philanthropy of Great Dane and its predecessor in Kewanee, Pines Trailer Corp.
She said that in addition to the welding lab, the trailer-makers have supported the building of the school’s strength training facility and a computer lab. Great Dane also donated a trailer that the school uses for storage.
