Tohatchi Student Uses Drone to Document New High School Construction

On November 19, 2025 Gallup McKinley County Schools highlighted an example of classroom learning extending into the field when a Tohatchi High School student, Colton Holian, used a drone to take aerial footage of the district s new Tohatchi High School construction site. The district s short post linked to or embedded the footage and described the activity as a hands on learning experience that supports applied learning and career technical education opportunities.

The social and educational significance of the project goes beyond striking aerial images. District officials positioned the drone work as a way for students to observe construction progress, practice technology skills, and relate classroom lessons to real world jobs. For families in McKinley County, where opportunities for local career training can shape long term economic and social outcomes, such hands on experiences can help young people build skills that are in demand in construction, surveying, and digital media.

Transparency and community engagement were immediate practical outcomes. By sharing drone footage publicly the district provided residents with a closer look at construction progress without requiring a site visit, a potential benefit for those who live some distance from the site or who may be unable to attend in person. Visible updates can also strengthen community confidence that taxpayer investments in new school facilities are moving forward.

The use of drones on construction sites also raises practical considerations for safety, privacy, and training. Proper operation requires attention to federal rules governing unmanned aircraft, as well as site specific safety protocols to keep workers and observers safe. Incorporating drone training into career technical pathways can help ensure students learn not only how to operate technology, but also how to do so responsibly and in compliance with regulations.

There are broader public health and equity implications tied to the new school and the learning experiences around it. Modern school facilities can support improved educational outcomes, which in turn influence long term health and economic opportunities. Ensuring that students from across McKinley County have access to career technical education and hands on technology experiences addresses disparities in access to training and future employment. For rural and underserved communities the ability to gain practical skills close to home can reduce barriers to economic mobility.

As construction continues, the drone footage shared by Gallup McKinley County Schools offers a snapshot of one student s engagement with technology and a glimpse of the future campus that will serve local families. The project illustrates how schools can use applied learning to connect students to local workforce needs while also prompting community conversations about safety, access, and the best ways to prepare young people for jobs in a changing economy.