During most of his senior year, Jason Wilson has been building a craftsman style headboard built from locally harvested black walnut lumber. He titled it “Black Beauty” and entered a photograph of the finished piece in the Fresh Wood design contest that is part of the American Woodworking and Furniture Suppliers trade show held July 15–18 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In late May, he was notified that he was selected as one of 50 finalists in the nationwide competition. As a finalist, Jason and his instructor, Dave Anderson, will be flown to the four-day AWFS show to participate in events that are part of the Fresh Wood contest. In addition to the trip, Jason’s project will be featured in a hard cover book which will include photographs of all of the finalist’s projects.

This is an exciting honor for Jason and the entire program at North High. Since 2004, the woodworking program at North High is part of a North American network between high schools and the woodworking industry called WoodLINKS. This network provides support for the high school programs and helps to develop the work force for the woodworking industry.

Information provided by David W. Anderson, woodworking instructor at North Salem High School.