Student’s at Central Middle School in Red Deer had the chance yesterday to show off their woodworking skills.

Tables, chairs and a hand-crafted clock were just some of the items the Sawing for Schools and Woodworking Club had on display as they gear up for the Red Deer Home Show this weekend.

The club began six weeks ago and with the help of 12 mentors from various areas of expertise across Central Alberta, the club has flourished and has taken the school by storm.

Principal Darrin DeMale said he’s extremely proud of how far the students have come. 

“The kids have shown such great growth and commitment. Not only taking time out of their lives, because this is an after-school program on Mondays and Tuesdays, but committing to a project from beginning to end,” said DeMale.

Shawn Moore, owner of Trimmed-Line Tree Services, started the program at Red Deer’s Central Middle School. What once was a vision, is now a reality for Moore.

“He came in with a dream for a Sawing for Schools program that involves both students and mentors from the community,” said DeMale.

Grade six student Haley Powell said she has found a true passion for woodworking.

“It was my first year working with wood and since I took Tech-Ed class, I’ve really liked working with the wood so I decided to go to the club,” said Powell.

In partnership with the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools, the students work will be sold in a raffle at the Home Show where proceeds will help a new Equity Fund providing funds to reduce barriers and families.

Students will also be building two sheds at the Home Show which runs from Friday to Sunday at Westerner Park.