Imagine a class of sculptors carving beautiful and complex designs onto their wooden canvas, each with their own singular purpose. Each board a different work of art made with the highest quality tools by eager artists. It may seem like a college course at the most exclusive art school but it is actually a woodshop class here at Miami High.

In October, woodshop teacher Mr. Wilson gave his woodshop students a long-term project that involves carving a name, message, or logo on to a wooden plaque. “It’s our starter project to teach basic use of hand tools in a safe and responsible manner, shop awareness, and overall safety engagement,” said Mr. Wilson. “Plaques were scheduled to be completed by the end of the third nine weeks.”

There are many steps to this project. “Students start by putting a message on a paper and then using carbon paper to transfer their message to the board,” said Mr. Wilson. “After that, students use a router to hollow out the message on their board and cut around it with a coping saw.”

The next step is using files to smooth out the edges. After the students file and sand the outside of their design curves. They then check the routering of their letters to make sure they’re sanded before painting. Next, they use fine sandpaper to begin processing for the final finish which could involve stain or varnish. Upon first application, all projects are then lightly sanded to remove excess dust or particles.

Woodshop students had different design ideas for their plaques. “I did the logo for the 1996-1997 Chicago Bulls because they are my favorite basketball team of all time,” said senior Luis Rodriguez. “All the people who were saying that the Warriors were the greatest team of all time inspired me to do it. They need to know that the Bulls are the greatest team and there will never be a better team.”

“I did a soccer ball on my board because soccer is my favorite sport,” said junior Kimberly Martinez. Freshman Carlos Velasquez put the Adidas design because that’s the brand he wears the most.

“My parents inspired me to put the words ‘Believe in Yourself’ on my plaque because they wrote it on a paper that has been on my refrigerator since I was in middle school,” said sophomore Stephanie Diaz.

While the project was interesting, it wasn’t always easy. “Using the router was difficult because if you made a mistake there was no way to erase it,” said sophomore Christian Vasquez.

“Cutting the board was extremely hard because I’m so weak that I can barely even begin to cut with the saw,” said junior Rosa Nunez.

Although the project had its challenges, Mr. Wilson felt the students would really enjoy the hands-on interaction and working with other students as the project progressed. “Most students that attempts to start and finish the project gain a sense of accomplishment and learn important life skills,” he said.