GOODLAND, KS – [November 14, 2025] – Fort Hays Tech | Northwest’s Engineering Technology students transformed the Sherman County 4-H Animal Barn Building into a spine-chilling haunted house this October, welcoming the community for two nights of fun, frights, and fundraising. Admission to the event was either a $5 donation or five non-perishable food items, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Genesis of Sherman County to support local families in need.
This annual event serves as both a fundraiser and a hands-on project for Engineering Technology students, who apply their creativity and technical skills to design lighting, sound effects, mechanical props, and immersive themed rooms.
Community Impact
This year’s haunted house raised:
- $3700 in monetary donations, and
- 500 boxes/cans of non-perishable food
“Our students take what they learn in the classroom and turn it into something that directly serves the community. The haunted house isn’t just a project—it’s proof of what hands-on technical education can do when creativity and compassion come together,” said Mike Zimmerman, Mechanical Engineering Technology Instructor.
Genesis of Sherman County provides essential support services, including food assistance, housing support, and crisis services for individuals and families in Sherman County. The donations will help restock its food pantry ahead of the holiday season, a critical time of increased need.
Hands-On Learning Meets Community Service
Beyond the thrills, the haunted house serves as a real-world learning experience that strengthens students’ skills in engineering design, project management, teamwork, safety protocols, and public engagement.
“Our students don’t just build projects—they build community,” said Jonathan McClung, Engineering Technology Instructor. “Events like this showcase the impact technical education can have beyond the classroom.”
“The Haunted House has become an important part of our teaching and our community. The students are learning skills to take with them into the workforce and their personal lives. The community gets to experience the hard work and creativity of our students, and the community benefits in multiple ways. Having some fun at the haunted house, and donating to Genesis of Sherman County, which provides a great service to struggling members of our community,” said Andrew Markley, Civil Engineering Technology Instructor.
Thank You to Miller Construction Services, LLC
Fort Hays Tech | Northwest extends its gratitude to Miller Construction Services, LLC for generously matching the funds raised during the second night of the haunted house and contributing an additional $2,000 to Genesis of Sherman County. Their continued support—building on last year’s inaugural match—demonstrates a strong commitment to community partnership and makes a meaningful impact on local families in need.
Thank You to Our Community
Fort Hays Tech | Northwest extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make this event a success. Plans are already underway for next year’s haunted house, which promises to be even bigger and better.
For more information about the Civil & Mechanical Engineering Technology programs or how to support community projects like this, visit www.fhnw.edu.
About Fort Hays Tech | Northwest
Fort Hays Tech | Northwest in Goodland, Kansas, provides high-quality technical education with hands-on training, industry partnerships, and strong job placement outcomes. The Engineering Technology program prepares students to design, innovate, and solve real-world problems through applied learning.
Engineering Department and Miller Construction Services delivering food and money donated during the Haunted House to Genesis of Sherman County
Students in back from Left to Right: Eoin Steinsiek, Erickson David, Braden Bergsma, Alejandro Martinez, Jaron Smades, Micah Daise, Broc Henry, Ashton Hahn, Gary Shaffer, Peter Caines, Marta (not pictured, Ethan Graham, Jacob Lloyd, Ben Gines)
Rodriguez, Front from Left to Right: Janelle Miller (Miller Construction Services), Dawn Jolly (Genesis of Sherman County, Dawson Martinez (Engineering Dept. Club President)
