Building Futures: DNHS Tiny Home Project Shows Why CTE Must Be Protected

by ROGER GITLIN
Eye on Del Norte

For years, the message was simple: go to college or fall behind. That's what my parents made more than clear to me. Today, that old belief is collapsing under the weight of reality. Rising tuition, shrinking enrollment, and staggering student debt have made the traditional four-year route less of a guarantee and more of a gamble.

But a different path—one rooted in skills, craftsmanship, and real-world training—is thriving right here in Del Norte County.

At Del Norte High School, Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in welding, construction, and automotive technology are proving that students don’t need a university lecture hall to build a successful future. Sometimes, they just need a certified professional, a set of tools, and the chance to create something real.

A Tiny Home, A Big Lesson

One of the most impressive examples of this opportunity is the DNHS Tiny Home Project—a fully constructed, 176-square-foot home built over two years by a team of dedicated students, a few of whom I spoke with on Thursday, November 20:
Jenna Phillips, Hayden Griffin, Ethan Warner, and Wyatt Sharpe.

This wasn’t a classroom exercise or a model on a workbench.
This was the real thing—wiring, framing, siding, finish work—every nail driven by students trained by industry-recognized professionals.

“I think every student should be part of career technical education at Del Norte High. I really can’t say enough good things about it,” said Kayden Griffin, a DNHS senior in the Tiny Home program.

Under the leadership of instructors like Eileen Silvey, a licensed contractor, and Jeff Van Pelt, both experienced tradespeople, students learned not only technique but responsibility, work ethic, and pride of accomplishment. Van Pelt shared the story of one young welder who, at just 20 years old, has already earned over $102,000 so far this year shortly after leaving DNHS. These are not rare stories—they are becoming more common, especially for students who enter skilled trades.

Why This Matters: Careers Without Debt

CTE students are graduating with certifications, experience, and direct pathways to jobs paying $60,000–$100,000+ a year—often without a penny of college debt. Add in the free community college A.A. option and the military technical training several students are planning, and the doors open even wider.

“I plan to go into the military and use the G.I. Bill to launch into additional trade-school opportunities,” said Ethan Warner, also a senior at DNHS.

The demand for trades is growing. The opportunities are here. And schools like DNHS are leading the way.

But There’s a Warning: These Programs Must Be Protected

We’ve seen this before.
When budgets shrink or state priorities shift, CTE programs are often the first on the chopping block. Shops go quiet. Equipment goes unused. Students lose access.

Del Norte cannot afford to let that happen. Not again like we saw 30 years ago.

The Tiny Home Project stands as a physical reminder of what is possible when we invest in hands-on education. Programs like welding, construction, and automotive are not luxury electives—they are essential pipelines to real careers, and they must be sustained. Grants, partnerships, community support—whatever it takes. Because when CTE thrives, students thrive.

So remember, college remains a valuable option for many.
But success is not defined by a diploma alone.

At Del Norte High School, success can be measured in skill, in craftsmanship, in confidence—and in this case, a beautiful tiny home built by DNHS students.

Great job Warriors!