By Betsy Finklea
Nailing, painting, other construction work–not the kind of activities one would expect from a typical doctor, but that’s exactly what was happening at the Marion- Dillon County Habitat for Humanity house that is under construction in Lake View.
Seven students from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine were in Dillon County recently to work on the house as part of the 2026 Spring Collegiate Challenge.
This was the inaugural trip for many of these students, and they plan to come back in the future.
What would motivate a group of medical students to come to Lake View on their spring break? Maya Chang, one of the students who is from Texas, said the answer is simple. One day they will all be doctors and what do doctors do—help people. All are first year medical students, except for one who is a second-year medical student. The students who visited were Maya Chang, Christian Avias, Luna Johnstone, Ben Robinson, Ethan Morgan, Jackson Miller, and Donald Bothe (2nd year). They hope to have even more students participating next year.
Most did not have experience building with some saying putting together IKEA furniture was the extent of the skills they brought. They said the construction foreman, Max, was very helpful in guiding them through what they needed to do.
They were hosted at Marion Methodist Church, who housed them for the week.
Several groups provided meals for the group, and several students commented that they were well fed. Some said they ate better than they ever have. They said they experienced true Southern hospitality during their stay.
Ethan Morgan said that it was good to get out of their area and work with new people. They traveled 8 ½ hours to get to Lake View. He and other students felt it has helped them grow closer as a class.
The students enjoyed their stay, meeting new people, learning some new things, and having a spring break where they made a real difference in the lives of others. They look forward to a return trip next year. Their work and the work of other colleges has helped this home, located at 400 South Cedar Street, progress.
This is first Habitat for Humanity home ever built in Dillon County and as been made possible through a donation of property by football star Darius Shaquille Leonard, who has donated property to build five homes in Lake View.
Leonard’s manager, Raymond Foxworth, said at the time of the announcement that while they were starting with five homes, they would like to do 70 in the future, with the goal of getting those who need it decent, affordable housing.
Photo Gallery
Construction Photos Contributed by Maya Chang
Group Photos By Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC
