In Eastern Oregon, partnership is more than a word, it’s a promise. At MonteVista Homes, we believe building homes also means building community. So when our new Upland Meadows development became the inspiration for a unique student project at Hermiston High School, we saw an opportunity to turn that belief into action.
The students from Hermiston High school: Lane Simmons, Adam Thomas, Logan Vertrees, and Nathaniel Henderson in the Construction Tech 2 class recently designed and built a custom playhouse—modeled after one of our MonteVista Homes designs—and made it part of their real-world, hands-on learning experience.
Our role was different than simply subcontracting an exterior wall or helping with framing. We commissioned the playhouse project, supported materials and design input, and donated the finished structure back to the school so students could raffle it and raise funds for future builds.
This isn’t just about nails and plywood, it’s about the future of the people who will build, own and inhabit homes in our region. It’s about offering students meaningful work today that connects to opportunity tomorrow: careers, craftsmanship, pride. As Micah Mercer, the construction instructor, said,
“This playhouse isn’t just a structure, it’s a symbol of what our students can achieve when given meaningful opportunities. We’re incredibly grateful to Montevista Homes for investing in our students and supporting their growth.”
We’re proud that what began as a classroom project now stands as a tangible testament to collaboration: educator + builder + community. It reflects many of the same values that guide everything we do at MonteVista Homes, quality craft, community connection, and putting people first.
As we move forward with Upland Meadows and our broader mission across Northeast and Central Oregon, this playhouse is a microcosm of how we work: nestled into real places, tied to real lives, and built to last.
Community members will have several opportunities to support the program. Playhouse raffle tickets can be purchased at the Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lot, at Hermiston High basketball games, or directly from students in the Construction Tech 2 class. The winning ticket will be drawn after students return from winter break in January 2026.
For questions or ticket details, reach out to Micah Mercer at Hermiston High School.
If you’re curious about how communities grow when builders engage meaningfully, explore our available homes today and see what belonging truly feels like.
Nov 12, 2025
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