Amber Miller (Fulton), Aubrey Miller, Erica Gaw, Emily Ricketts, Amanda Smedley, Melissa Fredericks, Katlyn Lee (Fulton) Sarah Frost, Stephanie Hall (Fulton) Jessica Grenke.
When Interior Designer and former Fulton High School teacher, Shelly Vincent-Masek heard that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition would be building 7 homes in 7 days for families left homeless by the May 22, 2011 E5 tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri, she immediately volunteered. Masek, a 1990 graduate of William Woods University, began working with EMHE in August and by October she had organized a team of more than 30 volunteers to journey to Joplin and work with Design Producers of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Shelly was a Team Leader for the customization in the 5 of the 7 homes constructed in the October 2011 build. In addition to organizing and coordinating the construction and customization of the project design and installation, Masek and her team completed numerous special interior projects which will be revealed during the 200th and last regular season episode of the Emmy award winning Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Friday, January 13, 2012.
Currently an instructor at Stephens College in the School of Fashion and Design, Masek was accompanied by 10 Stephens College students, two of which were former students of hers at Fulton High School. Amber Miller and Katlyn Lee, both 2011 graduates of FHS were instrumental in designing special projects for several of the homes the teams worked in. “I knew that Katlyn and Amber had to be a part of this amazing opportunity. The success of our involvement was going to weigh heavy on our preparedness, talents and ability to work well with others. There was no doubt in my mind that I could count on both women under any circumstance. I also had the advantage of knowing how talented and creative they were, firsthand.”
At a time when schools across the United States are cutting Fine arts and Practical arts programs, Masek, former FACS and art teacher had this to say: “I believe we underestimate the importance of teaching Life Skills and the arts to our youth. It’s disheartening to know that there are schools that don’t take these departments seriously. Not only were Amber and Katlyn able to use what they had learned in their sewing and art classes at Fulton High School, but they actually found themselves in positions where others were dependent on their particular skill set to pull together key projects. They were actually able to do what others could not. As a teacher, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life watching my students work side by side with professionals and do such an outstanding job! “
Looking back on the overall experience of working with the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Masek notes: “From the beginning, I was certain this project would have a profound impact on the lives of the families we would be building homes for; however, I underestimated the significance that it would have on my own. I had hoped this journey would help students discover the power of generosity, give them a glimpse of behind the scenes activity, provide them the opportunity to learn more about customizing interiors, and allow them to share their time and talents with others. My hopes were far exceeded. “
If you take time out of your busy schedule this Friday evening to watch the final episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition keep in mind the 13,000 volunteers who hand in heart worked 24 hours a day to complete the largest construction project the show has ever done. Know that what you see on television is only a fraction of what actually took place. Behind the scenes people were coming from all over the world to be a part of this amazing experience. People who believe that volunteering is a responsibility, not a choice worked with smiles on their faces even though it was an emotional struggle at times to deal with the aftermath of nature’s wrath that in 32 minutes changed so many lives forever.
