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Local company aids chemistry classes
Fort Scott High School's chemistry classroom has received a makeover.
With the assistance of local industry Labconco and Plant Manager Mike Lakeman and Logistics Office Manager Kristy Bolden, chemistry teacher Heather King has a new look to her classroom, from work areas to a fume hood.
The specialized hood in itself is a major donation, and the cabinet tops were also a much needed improvement, noted King and FSHS Principal Bob Beckham.
"Before, we had students in areas that weren't the best for the efficiency of their work," King said. "Now, that's all changed. We can be where we need to be, depending on what we're working on in class.
"The lab hood protects the students from harmful vapors when they are mixing chemicals and studying the reactions," she added. "This is just amazing. I can now show demos and still be safe as I show the different chemical reactions."
The hood vents the vapors and also adds the ability to have water, light, gas, and electricity to help the process and maximize safety.
The donations came separately and were put together over the summer in a coordinated remodel.
"It's just amazing that we have a business that makes this kind of product right here in our town," said King. "This is really a big deal for our students and our school. We can now do things that we couldn't do before."
"We're so appreciative of Mr. Lakeman and Kristy for their generosity," Beckham said. "This really adds a lot of benefit for our kids."
Labconco donated the tops for the work cabinet areas and also donated the fume lab hood.
"We're glad to support the school system," Lakeman said. "We know the students are our future. We looked at what they needed and we were glad we could help. It was easy to do."
Founded in 1925 in Kansas City, Labconco has operations in both Kansas City and Fort Scott. With a slogan of "Protecting Your Laboratory Environment," the company's product development efforts center on manufacturing ventilation products to protect laboratory workers from fumes, vapors and airborne hazards.
According to the company's website, "The company's first product was a Kjeldahl Nitrogen Determination Apparatus, which agricultural laboratories used to test the protein content of feeds and grains.
"From humble beginnings as a one-product shop in a small garage in downtown Kansas City, Labconco stretched its legs and today employs over 200 associates at facilities in two locations and manufactures 16 different product lines."