See Ben Napier's Emotional Response to Receiving a Surprising Honor
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From the very early days of their hit HGTV show Home Town, Erin and Ben Napier have made it their mission to nurture and revitalize the town that means so much to them: Laurel, Mississippi. Today, they're busy with woodworking, designing, demolition, and raising their two young girls, but they never fail to remember where they came from and all the help they've had along the way. Both Erin and Ben attended Jones College in Laurel, which happens to be the place the happy couple met and fell in love.
With its campus just up the road from their own home, it's easy for the Napiers to take a stroll down memory lane, but now they're giving back to the place where it all began. "Jones College alumni Erin and Ben Napier understand the impact Jones College has on the community. The Napiers have graciously partnered with Jones College to close the gap of skilled labor in the areas of construction and building trades in Mississippi," reads the Jones College alumni page dedicated to Erin and Ben. To close this gap in skilled workers that the Napiers experience first-hand in their work, they're partnering with their alma mater to create The Erin and Ben Napier School of Design and Building Arts.
"Tonight’s episode has a pretty big announcement in it. I hope you watch. If you’re near @jones_college, there will be a big watch party in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Building on campus! To my brothers before they ask, yes, I cried," Ben wrote on Instagram prior to the announcement.
Ben goes on to call the partnership "an honor" which he hopes his daughters can someday appreciate. "I hope they can go to school here one day," Erin echoed.
Fans were touched by Ben's heartfelt reaction and courage in sharing his emotions with viewers. "Ben, thank you for showing the world what real men look like. Real men love fiercely, care deeply, follow Christ, and cry!! Erin and your girls are so blessed!!" and "Ben, I absolutely love your tender heart. Don't ever change!❤️," fans gushed. "You both make this world a better place!!" and "I just bawled. An honor you are both so deserving of.❤️," others chimed in.
When completed, The Erin and Ben Napier School of Design and Building Arts will offer courses in graphic and interior design, painting, stonework, HVAC, masonry, roofing, plumbing, metalworking, carpentry (obviously) and more. If you missed this extra-special episode of Home Town, you can stream it now on Discovery+ and MAX.
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