Sumner High alum returns to help build school for future students

As a student, Sam Neeley remembers seeing the construction of Sumner High School’s Phase 1 building from start to finish.

“Going to school and seeing the progression of that building was something that drew me to Capital Projects,” Sam said.

After graduating from Sumner High School in 2024, Sam went to study construction management at Northern Arizona University.

Now, he’s the one wearing the hard hat and vest.

This summer, Sam was the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District’s first Capital Projects Department intern, assisting in construction projects across the district – including Sumner High School’s Phase 2 project that will bring new classrooms, Career & Technical Education and childcare spaces, a greenhouse and additional parking to the campus. 

“I’m really lucky to have this opportunity to gain all this experience working with different contractors, designers, engineers and architects,” he said. 

For Sam, construction is more than just materials and buildings. It’s about creating spaces for students to thrive – just like he did. 

“We talk a lot in the office about ‘Why do we do this?’ And I think our ‘why’ is the students. It’s for the community,” Sam said. “Getting to be a part of something like that is an incredible experience.”

Sam plans to continue pursuing a career in the construction industry. The internship helped him grow skills and build connections that he can apply to his education back at college. 

“I really hope that future students like me can be in this position because it’s been really great for my learning and my future career,” he said. 

Learn more about ongoing construction projects at sumnerbonneylakebuilds.org.