AUSD Woodwork students compete to represent the district, demonstrate skills + workmanship

Woodworking students from all three AUSD comprehensive high schools gathered at Alhambra High School at the end of October for friendly competition and camaraderie during the district's 10th Annual Woodworking Competition.

Students received their on-demand challenge to create a stool out of 3/4-inch pine based on a measured drawing on arrival. They used stationary power tools and machines (drill press, band saw, and miter saw), portable power tools (cordless drill and jig saw), and hand tools. The students demonstrated their skills and by the end of the competition were able to complete their stool and take home their finished project.

While the judges reviewed the projects, students got to know their peers from other schools and enjoyed an informal dinner together. Although this was considered a "friendly competition," there were serious stakes since the contest determined who qualified to compete in the SkillsUSA CA Regional Conference.

The event would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the three Alhambra Unified School District woodworking teachers. Mark Keppel’s Paul Lam, San Gabriel High’s John Mason, and Alhambra High’s Carlos Sanchez spend their days teaching valuable hands-on skills to AUSD students in addition to putting together the annual competition.

A few highlight photos from AUSD’s 10th Annual Woodworking Contest. A photo of the finished stools is included in the corner of the collage.