UNOH Student Uses Pinstriping Talents to Bring Joy to Kids in Wheelchairs
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2025
UNOH Student Ben Chesnes paints wheelchair horn
When University of Northwestern Ohio student Ben Chesnes was asked to complete a community service project for his Leadership course, he decided to combine two things he’s passionate about: custom automotive painting and helping others. The result? A heartwarming initiative that brought color, creativity, and confidence to children in wheelchairs.
Chesnes, a student in the College of Applied Technologies, chose to put his artistic skills to work by pinstriping wheelchairs—adding custom designs in vivid, hot-rod-inspired colors to the frames of mobility devices. “It might not sound like something that could make a big difference,” Ben wrote in his project reflection, “but I got to do something I love for some really cool people and put smiles on their faces.”
While the process may have been small in scale—he decorated just a handful of wheelchairs in his hometown—the impact was anything but minor. One of his recipients? His younger brother, who uses a wheelchair and proudly showed off the custom paint job. “He thinks having hot rod paint on his wheelchair is the coolest thing ever,” Chesnes said.
Ben wasn’t alone in the project. His family members, including his father, mother, and brother, all played a role—each bringing their own unique connection to the cause. His dad appreciated the artistry of the work, while his mom, who’s long been involved in service work for the disability community, saw the meaningful outreach firsthand. “I didn’t have to motivate them—they were all intrinsically invested in the project,” he said.
The project also offered Ben a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role. As the youngest person in the group, he initially felt uneasy taking charge. But the experience helped him grow. “In this case, I was the expert, and I knew I had that expert power,” he reflected. “It was uncomfortable at first, but I learned how important it is to keep practicing those leadership skills.”
Ben hopes to continue the project beyond the classroom. With each chair he paints, he not only adds flair and personality—he helps children feel seen, valued, and proud. He’s already thinking about ways to expand his reach, possibly offering the service more broadly and organizing events where families can bring in chairs for custom artwork.
“I don’t want this to stop at just a school project,” he said. “This kind of community service makes my day better and makes other people’s days better—so I don’t see why I’d ever stop.”
From the classroom to the community, Ben Chesnes is a shining example of how UNOH students are using their talents to make a difference—one pinstripe at a time.
Category: Campus & Community
Keywords: Leadership, Community Service
