In January of this year, Robert Beaumier, a retired technology teacher from Beltsville Academy, began making desks for students who had a hard time concentrating at home during distance learning due to Covid. He established a go fund me account for needy students at the school to have a desk at home.
On his Go Fund Me page Mr. Beaumier wrote “As we all know, online learning has been tough on all kids, but especially difficult for students who lacked access to quality school supplies even in pre-pandemic times. I've retreated to my woodshop many times throughout this pandemic so I know how beneficial having a workspace of one's own can be. I've decided to put my woodworking skills to use by building desks for children learning at home. Together, we can help students focus at home today for a brighter tomorrow.” He has just finished the project and was able to build and provide 78 desks to students in need!
Principal Leslie Lowe said “The Beltsville Academy community is so grateful for Mr. Beaumier's work. We have been able to provide many of our families with a desk for their child to do their virtual schoolwork. The craftsmanship of the desks is beautiful, and our families have been so grateful to receive them.”
It's people like Mr. Beaumier that make our community a better place. It’s been a long year and we need to do everything we can for others during this time.