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Successful hardwood woodshop program
flrue OF the most challenging and V successful high school w-oodshop programs in the West got underway lg-ain this Fall at Canyon High School, Anaheim, Ca., and asain the classes are filled.
Story at a Glance
Woodshop students produce handsome furniture in classes . . . beautiful hardwoods utilized . instructor sees renewed interest in wood.
, As in years past high school students are busily designing pieces of turniture, roll-top desks, grandfather clocks, china cabinets and iecretaries. all of which seem beyond the capa- bilities of high school juniors and seniors. And yet by Spring many of these plans will be realized in completed works wrought from the most beautiful hardwoodi.
"The parents are always flabbergaste_d when the kids bring the projects home," notes Ed Ernst, instructor and mentor of some of the finest high school woodworkers anywhere. "l accept nothing less than ihe srudents' best efforts," he adds. Ernst demands a serious commitment from his woodworking students, then he inspires them with his own drive, selfdiscipline and positive thinkins.
The fruits rif Ernst's teach"ing, of his students' commitment, and of the endless hours of painstaking woodworking are truly amazing. They are displayed each Spring at a show that h,rnst arranges at the Mall of Orange, near the school. It's the pay-off-of the year for both students and'instructor.
"It's impressive to see students attempt and complete difficult working operations and then to present their work to the public at the-end of the year. People are astounded. And the kids hold their chests out. thev're so darn proud," Ernst observes.
More than 100 projects were displayed at last Spriig'i show, including full length diessi-ng minors, cedar chests and an early American oak cradle. Sophomore Mario Maittea displayed an oak china hutch com-
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EIIDLESS H0URS of painstakino work went into these impresiive pieces-of furniture created by students in'a hioh school woodworking class. Fine hardioods, a dedicated teacher, and committed students produce similar results each year.