Jan. 27, 2025- The extreme winter temperatures have taken their toll across the Tri-State area the past few weeks, and High School South hasn't been spared. Freezing temps caused one of the school's pipes to break, putting Principal Kevin Raylman in the bind of having to make arrangements to have it fixed ASAP, but without disrupting the school day.

But hold up, wait. Teacher Tim O'Leary had an idea.

"Since my SPEAR 2/3 students were working on plumbing, I asked if we could give it a go and attempt a real-life repair," he said.

The construction and trades course, now in its seventh year since being implemented thanks to a grant and continued support from the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, has specialized in applying skills for practical projects that benefit the school and community. But this proposition was more spontaneous and urgent, and a mistake could cause bigger problems. Nevertheless, Raylman agreed to have the SPEAR kids take on the job.

First, they cut out the damaged and cracked pipe and began the repair process. The deburred both ends of the cut pipes and sanded off any oxidation on the old pipes. They installed two 90-degree fittings and a repair coupler. Finally, using some of the latest plumbing technology the class has access to, students were able to Propress all the fittings in place for what O'Leary described as "a perfect repair."

Even Supervisor Heather Pentifallo got in on the act (right), completing one of the compression fittings.

"The kids jumped at the opportunity to apply what they have learned into a real-life fix," said a proud O'Leary. "This is exactly why UWMOC and all of us here in Toms River started this program in the first place."

No doubt Principal Raylman agrees.