Construction trades class works to build pavilion in memory of teacher

Driving down Fulton, you may notice something new while passing Avondale Elementary. The wooden poles and hooded roof draw you in, and you wonder what it is. 

Recently GlenOak’s Construction Trades students have been building a pavilion in memory of late teacher Lisa Biclawski. This pavilion will be a new addition to the Plain Local community and is expected to be used for multiple purposes. 

“It could be used as an outdoor classroom, a place that provides shelter, or for community members to use,” Avondale Principal Jeanne McNeal said.

McNeal finds this project to be very important, as it will keep Biclawski’s memory alive for a long time to come.

“It’s really important to her family,” McNeal said. “We plan on having a ribbon-cutting ceremony in her honor.”

Yet, the pavilion will not be the only insertion in this area.

“We’re also going to have a library lending box there,” McNeal said. “I think that it’ll draw some people in and create a nice place to relax.”

Chance Bricker is the teacher of the Construction Trades Career Tech. Earlier in the year Avondale PTO reached out to him about the possibility of his students building this pavilion. 

“PTO made mention of it and it grew,” Bricker said. “The previous principal of Avondale reached out to Mrs. Slatzer and said we need to build a pavilion.”

The PTO has played a large part in this project coming to light, and are excited to see that it’s actually happening. 

“The PTO has raised funds for this entire project,” Avondale PTO Treasurer Abigail Messner said.

Not only has it taken a lot of planning money-wise, but time-wise too.

“This project has taken over a year to coordinate,” Messner said. “We are excited to be able to honor Mrs. B with this addition to the Avondale property.” 

Messner believes that the pavilion will be the most helpful way of carrying out Biclawski’s legacy.

First and foremost, it will show the community how dedicated Mrs. Biclawski was to this school and the children we serve here,” Messner said. “She will have this place for others to remember her and all of the wonderful ways that she grew and educated children here.”

The pavilion will leave a lasting impression on the community and the people who knew Mrs. Biclawski, and be used for many years to come.