For these teenagers, summer vacation is about much more than late nights and time off of school. A group of twelve teens in Binghamton are volunteering their time this summer, and last week they helped build a handicap-accessible ramp. Talk about a group of superstars!

They partnered with the Ramp It Up program to built the ramp for Donald Pecka, who is caring for his fiancée and her brother, according to Spectrum News.

"They're both in wheelchairs and I needed a ramp to get them up and down because I can't lift them," Pecka told Spectrum News. "I've had several surgeries on my neck and back and everything."'

Thankfully, the teens are more than happy to help. They're a part of the Liberty Partnership Program, which helps youth get involved in their communities and hopefully change perceptions about the newest generation.

"No matter what age you are, or how young you are, you can always help around," Binghamton High School student Mirnes Husic told Spectrum News. "There's always work to be done."

Photo Credit: Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program
Photo Credit: Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program
loading...
Photo Credit: Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program
Photo Credit: Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program
loading...

The program has posted updates on their Facebook page throughout the project, and praised the teens for their hard work and commitment to building the ramp.

Autumn Loke, a social worker with Liberty Partnership, told Spectrum News that while the teens get exposure to workforce development, construction and design skills (and math that we all think we'll never need to use again), the projects mean so much more.

"It's really something that's meaningful to them, and knowing they are out here showing the perception that youth care," Loke told Spectrum News. "Youth want to be involved in the community and they want to do positive things."

Photo Credit: Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program
Photo Credit: Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program
loading...
Photo Credit: Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program
Photo Credit: Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program
loading...
Photo Credit: Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program
Photo Credit: Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program
loading...

Now with the new ramp, Pecka is happy with the work the teens have done and wants to say thanks.

"They do really good work and I'm proud of every one of them and I hope to put a big barbeque on for everybody here," Pecka told Spectrum News.

Awesome work, everyone!

You can check out pictures from the entire building process on the program's Facebook page and find more information about all of the Liberty Partnership programs on their website. The partnership has programs all over New York, from the Finger Lakes to the North Country to Central New York to Long Island.

More From Big Frog 104