This is an unusual blog post but I couldn’t help but be captured by the story. (A big “cap tip” to Mike Rowe of Mike Rowe Works Foundation, who highlighted the story on his Facebook page.)

Mark Dunn is a shop teacher in Luther, Oklahoma. Tiny town.

I mean really tiny.

In 2010, the census recorded their population as 1,221.

So this is a town with limited exposure and limited media presence.

Mark Dunn’s students have built some AMAZING things in their shop class. I mean… just awesome stuff.

Like a real locomotive/smoker! How cool is that?!!

Here’s the deal: the teacher just can’t get no love from his area. He called 4 news channels and they showed no interest in doing a story on what these kids built.

Mark Dunn also tried to submit their locomotive train to their State Fair and was turned down.

Why?

Liability and in the State Fair’s words (per Mark Dunn), “they didn’t have a place for it.”

Let me ask you something. Aren’t we now living in one of the biggest producer/creator eras in history? This is the moment when you’re seeing all types of handcrafted, artisan items being created and sold. And these kids have really produced something special. Heck, several things that are special.

I even created a quick scope just now to highlight this opportunity to help:

Think of the teachers who influenced you.

Think about what you’re doing now and how it’s likely because someone, somewhere encouraged you to pursue it.

Think of some of these kids possibly growing up to become industrial engineers and designers or starting their own custom-built furniture business.

Doesn’t the world need more creative, resourceful kids like these? Of course it does!

So check out their GoFundMe Page and give if you can.

They need more tools. They’re in a rural area that just doesn’t have the resources of a big city. Let’s see if we can blow the lid off their expectations. :-)