By Steve Hoock

For the past three years I have been working at Deer Park High School as an Assistant Principal and EMIS Coordinator (Data Collection). During this time I have been encouraging the Industrial Tech instructor to have OVWG members come and do a demonstration. Last year and this year I went to the classes and did a little show and tell but also demonstrated to the students how to make pens. I also took some supplies with me and allowed several students to make their own pens. The students had been getting just a small overview of wood turning which included making an ornament shaped like a Christmas tree. This fall the students enjoyed this so much that they convinced the teacher, Mr. Dave Hauser to buy some pen kits and supplies so they all could make their own pens. This came to fruition over Christmas.

When the second semester class started I again demonstrated to the class and was able to convince Mr. Hauser to have the club do a demonstration. This took place on April 26th at 7:30 AM. As the High School as longer bells on that day the class had over 90 minutes for the demonstration and turning session. Dave Morrical, John Lannom, and Joe Keeler were gracious enough to come and demonstrate while I took some pictures. Joe started by demonstrating some properties of wood with his bundle of straws and a piece of oak. If you haven’t seen this you might ask him about it. He also then demonstrated spindle turning while John and Dave demonstrated some bowl and hollow turning. The students were very impressed and appreciative. Most were reluctant to give it a try but Dave, John, and Joe were very encouraging and finally got most of the students involved and trying. One of our school counselors, Jan McNulty even got involved and still has the bowl she worked on. The only problem with that is she wants me to finish it for her when it dries – sanding an oval bowl is so much fun!!

I really want to thank these three gentlemen for coming and demonstrating and also thank the club for making the equipment to demonstrate on available. During my 33 years in education I have always fought to keep wood working classes like these in the schools and seeing the students involved and excited is the best way to insure future wood turners and wood workers.