IRMO — Students from Lexington-Richland School District Five programs at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies collaborated to design, build, and light a new display for the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission’s annual Saluda Shoals Holiday Lights on the River. For 2025, the students completed a dunk tank scene featuring Santa’s elves.
Instructors and programs involved included Electrical Technologies (Jon Gray), Digital Art & Design (Jeanette Mangels), and Agriculture & Biosystems Engineering (Kevin Sox). Students were responsible for conceptualizing, designing, creating, and lighting the display.
“The Dunk Tank Project is a powerful reflection of the dedication and creativity within our Digital Art, Electrical, and Agriculture programs,” said Career and Technical Education Assistant Director Roy Frick. “From early concept sketches to the final build, watching this idea come to life has been truly inspiring. Each year, our students raise the bar and exceed their own expectations. I’m deeply grateful to Ms. Mangels, Mr. Gray, Mr. Sox, and every student who poured their time, talent, and heart into making this project a reality.”
In addition to the display, students joined Saluda Shoals staff on November 3, 2025, to install ground lighting and signage throughout the park. Students from all District Five high schools, including the FIVE virtual program, participated, including Sinnva Beard, Paula Benavides Ladino, Jamal Branch, Lukas Breslin, Derrick Carter, Ben Cayton, Harper Chaloupek, Layla Dennis, Mason Depasquale, Natalie DeSanto, Dawson Gantt, Kelly Graham, Madeline Heaps, Hailey Johns, Michael Koen, Sullivan Looney, Ellen McGee, Wyatt Peters, Jalyssa Pinckney, Jaiden Shiver, Patton Sowell, Elizah Sweat, and Jada White.
The Center’s display, along with more than 400 other animated displays, will be on view from November 26 through December 31, 2025 during the Holiday Lights on the River event at Saluda Shoals Park. For more information, visit icrc.net.
The Center for Advanced Technical Studies serves students from all four District Five high schools, offering career-focused, high-wage, and high-tech programs to prepare students for college and careers upon graduation.
