The 2024 AUSD Woodworking Contest provided a glimpse into the impressive work and talent of its students and teachers. The evening was a celebration of skill, creativity, and the importance of CTE in our schools.
Article by Natalie Tee Gaither
The sawdust settled on an exciting evening for Alhambra Unified School District’s woodworking students as they gathered for AUSD’s 12th annual Woodworking Contest. Hosted by the district’s Wood Technology teachers from all three high schools, the event provided students from Alhambra High School, Mark Keppel High School, and San Gabriel High School an opportunity to demonstrate their craftsmanship as they competed for a coveted spot at the upcoming SkillsUSA-California Regional Conference.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the prestigious Brad Walsh Award for Excellence in Woodworking, named in honor of the retired district administrator and Career Technical Education (CTE) teacher who inspired generations of AUSD students. This year, Mark Keppel High School’s Keira Chan claimed first place, with classmates Dolly Huang Chen and Miguel Alhuay earning second place and honorable mention, respectively. Rayhan Zeng from Alhambra High School proudly took third place.
Dr. Leann Huang, Coordinator of College and Career Preparation, praised the teachers’ commitment to enhancing their students’ skills. “Our Wood Technology teachers, Carlos Sanchez (AHS), Paul Lam (MKHS), and John Mason (SGHS), go above and beyond to create an environment where students learn invaluable skills and build confidence through hands-on experiences.” shared Dr. Haung. “Their dedication to student success and passion for their craft are truly remarkable.”
In addition to the competition results, the event served as a stepping stone for the AUSD students to compete at a regional level, bringing recognition to themselves and to their school sites. It was an evening filled with excitement, camaraderie, and impressive wood projects that highlight the hard work and creativity of these talented CTE students.
To find out more about the CTE pathways available at each school, please visit www.ausd.us/cte.
