Wood Fest showcases SHS students

Kris Cruse (left) and Reece Esary ranked high among participants at Wood Fest earlier this month. PHOTO BY ADAM STEWART | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS Kris Cruse couldn’t tell you how many hours it took to build his entry for Sedro Woolley’s Wood Fest competition (rest assured, the number is high), but the finished project keeps hours, minutes and seconds in perspective 24/7.

The Stanwood High School (SHS) sophomore’s clock won “People’s Choice” despite falling a few points behind the overall winning creation.

His second entry in the high school competition, a nightstand, was awarded “Outstanding Project.”

The accolades pleased Cruse’s woodworking teacher Ray Mather.

“The clock was so well made, all five judges — professionals in the industry — thought it was made from a kit,” said Mather. “For Kris to have two projects in the top four as a sophomore is special.”

Mather uses the competition, sponsored by the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce, as a way to motivate students and highlight the importance of vocational trades. Students in his class qualify by demonstrating skill, creativity and hard work.

“The students built some nice stuff this year,” he said.

Reece Esary, also a sophomore at SHS, scored high marks for his golf ball display and nightstand. His passion for woodworking stems from a family shop at home.

Esary finds the work rewarding.

“I have a collection of golf balls from various courses,” he said. “Now I have some place to put them, and it’s something I made.”

Brandon Johnsen, Mark Booth and Thomas Blades also entered projects in the competition.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.