Covington High School students received an amazing opportunity to have hands-on participation in this year’s 35th annual Vesta Home Show, and it was thanks to the perseverance of their teacher Abbie Lindsey.
For the last five years, CHS FCCLA has taken a field trip to the annual event. Students examine the interiors and exteriors of these beautiful homes and learn about the most recent housing trends, materials used, wall colors, latest technological advancements in appliances and the cost of the home, as well as other factors.
Noting that it has always been a favorite trip for the students as well as the chaperones, Lindsey began working with Memphis Area Home Builders Association Executive Director Don Glays to find a way CHS students could participate.
She was hoping for the students to possibly decorate one room in a house. After three years of looking for some sort of opening for the students, she said she heard from Glays with an exciting proposal: builder Mack Andrews wanted the student’s input on the entire home he would be showcasing.
After CTE Director Harvey Witherington and the CHS administration approved the project, Lindsey began planning.
Seven of her students – Aaliyah Smith, Dominique Wakefield, Jillian Hunter, Kaycee Jones, Kelsey Caudle, Leah Beasley, and McKenzie Richardson – were a part of the CHS Interior Design Team.
The challenge of working on the Vesta Home Show provided many rewards, she said, such as meeting many professionals at the top of their fields, as well as different career backgrounds.
The students met with interior designer Steven Ennis of Decadent Avenue to choose paint colors. They toured the store and discussed what plans were regarding choosing furniture and decor.
Rex Ridley of Magnolia Lighting helped the students pick out all the light fixtures and realtor Nancy Huddleston, with C.B. Collins Maury, discussed how she would market and list “The Dunn.”
“While I am very thankful for this opportunity that was given to us, the students are too,” said Lindsey. “This once in a lifetime experience opened their eyes to many different careers and gave them the hands-on experience that all students need. We are very grateful for everyone who had any role in the 2018 VESTA Home Show.”
“The VESTA experience was very unique. I have never done anything like this before and I am very blessed to be a part of this project. I learned a lot more about design techniques and that it’s ok to make a big statement with a design piece. My favorite part about this opportunity is that I have increased my knowledge of design and with that knowledge I was able to help design a beautiful home,” said junior Leah Beasley.
The CHS FFA also participated, with a landscape crew, landscaping the Dave Moore home for the show.
Tickets are available at CHS or you can contact Abbie Lindsey or Liz Flanagan to get yours.
CHS will receive some of the proceeds and tickets are good for any day the show is open.