Waiting for the school bus used to be a daily challenge for 5-year-old Ryder Kilam, but now, thanks to his community, it’s become one of the highlights of his day.
Every morning, Ryder’s parents help him into his wheelchair and push him to the end of the driveway, where they wait together for the bus to arrive. While some mornings are calm and sunny, others are a struggle, especially when the weather turns harsh.
“With Ryder being in a wheelchair, it’s about 75 feet from our house to the bus,” said Ryder’s dad, Tim Kilam. “He’s not the kind of kid who can just run out when the bus comes. It’s more complicated than that.”
For a time, the family tried using an old patio umbrella to shield Ryder from rain and wind, but the gusty weather often made it impossible to stay dry. Frustrated but hopeful, his parents reached out on Facebook, asking if anyone had an extra umbrella or something similar to help.
The response they received, however, was even more incredible. Westerly High School’s Construction Technology class offered to build Ryder a proper bus stop shelter—one designed just for him.
“We’ve done other projects before,” said Dan McKena, the class’s teacher. “But it’s really important for my students to learn not just construction skills, but how to get involved in the community and help people outside the school environment.”
Over the course of several weeks, three different classes poured their energy into creating the perfect shelter for Ryder. His parents helped cover some of the material costs, while Home Depot generously donated $300 worth of wood.
Among the students was senior Mason Heald, who was so inspired by the project that he turned it into his senior project.
“It was a big learning curve for me,” Mason admitted. “I’d never really done anything like this before. I had to watch videos to learn how studs make things hollow. Honestly, I didn’t know much at all when I started.”
Ryder’s older brothers also pitched in, making sure the shelter was fully Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. This way, Ryder, his parents, or anyone accompanying him could comfortably fit inside.
Completing such an ambitious project in a short timeframe was no small feat, but the students were determined to make it happen. Dan couldn’t have been prouder of their dedication and teamwork.
“They all worked together for a common goal,” he said. “Even on days when they might have felt tired or distracted, they came in eager to work. And seeing the final product—and knowing who it was for—made it all worthwhile.”
The biggest fan of the new shelter, of course, is Ryder himself. He loves it so much that after school, he often asks his parents to stay outside longer just to hang out in his “new fort.”
“The community has been incredible,” Tim said. “They’ve stepped up for Ryder in ways we never expected. It’s amazing how people come together to make things better for someone else.”
To show their gratitude, Tim shared a photo with Dan of Ryder enjoying the shelter.
“That one photo from the family made it all worth it,” Dan said, smiling. “I shared it with the students, and they were just thrilled to see the result of their hard work.”
“It definitely made it extra special,” Mason added. “Helping out someone in our community and seeing the joy it brought him—it wasn’t just a shed we built, it was a little piece of happiness for someone who needed it. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
