A series of deafening sounds pierce your ears. Students roam about, working on assorted projects. The level of engagement varies. A couple of students chit-chat at their tables and fiddle around; one seems to be particularly interested in his glove. Another student vigorously sands a block of wood containing multi-colored strips, his gaze remaining focused.

According to Creative Woodworking teacher Glen Gurner, a full range of students sign up for his class.

Some go in believing there will be nothing to it and just take it for an elective credit. But others become genuinely interested, even passionate, about woodworking.

“Some of the kids are just really focused and always just really wanted to do woodworking,” said Gurner. “Other kids are pretty reluctant about a lot of things, and I think that they just need an elective.”

Senior Henry Brawer and freshman Hazen Schumacher originally signed up for woodworking just to get the elective credit.

“I wasn’t expecting much,” said Brawer. “I wasn’t expecting to really do anything.”

However, Brawer said he was surprised as the class turned out to be harder and more fun than he had thought. Brawer is currently working on his third project, an optional project for which is crafting an complex cherry box. According to Brawer, the box took a lot of precise work, especially when he installed the hinges.

Freshman Miller Lepree also was not expecting much from the class, saying all he had hoped to gain from the class was a lamp and a cutting board.

But both Lepree and Schumacher now agree that woodworking is quite enjoyable.

Freshman Yeolim Jo finds the class empowering.

“The idea of woodworking really appealed to me, especially because I’m a girl,” said Jo. “It appealed to me in the sense that I’m a girl, but I can still do this class and make stuff that’s as good as what the guys can do.”

Jo hopes that through this class she can become more confident in what she creates.

“There are so many things in this world that you can take. But through this class, you learn how to make things yourself and be resourceful,” said Jo.

Another student who has taken a liking to woodworking is freshman Idan Nusbaum.

Nusbaum recently  moved here from Israel a few months ago, and wanted to try new things.

“You are making things [in this class] that you never think about,” said Nusbaum.

Woodworking can be an alternative to the usual mode of learning in school.

Such is the case for freshman Jack Moyer, who has previous woodworking experience and hopes to continue next year.

“I like doing hands-on things,” said Moyer. “I think that’s just how I learn more, actually doing it and not just listening to it or seeing it done.”

Gurner agrees that woodworking can serve this purpose.

“It’s a break from all the demands of the academics,” he said. “It gives the chance to not really have to think too hard, and just work on creating physical stuff.”

Alex Johnson can be contacted at [email protected].