While most of the student body is running around the house trying to get ready for the upcoming school day, a few are already at school creating art with wood.

Not only is woodshop a new addition to the classes offered on campus, but woodshop instructor Randy Hurley, a College of the Sequoias graduate, is also a recent staff addition. It provides an alternative to the traditional classroom learning.

“I really enjoy this class and I plan to make my parents a Christmas present,” Joe Pettit, ’03, said. “I have already made a coffee table. I hope to accomplish a lot more this year such as a stool and a chair.”

Many students in the class feel that 7 a.m. is not a problem because of the amount of hands-on learning in the class. Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays opens up possibilities for those who have a tied-up schedule.

“I really don’t mind waking up at that time and the class is fun, Kevin Reed, ’05, said. “I just hope I can accomplish something good. I want to make a chair or a stool or something of that nature.”

Students on campus who are not in woodshop hope that the class continues for many years because they want to take it in the future. However, sibling transportation to school can conflict with a zero period class.

“I hope that the school has woodshop next year,” Jordan Griffin, ?04, said. “I only have one more year left of high school and I would really like to take the class before I graduate. I may have to take my cousin to school, so I won’t have time to get to class at 7:00 a.m., even if they only meet twice a week.”

While Hurley’s class is early in the morning, it does not lessen his plans. Hurley’s main goal for this year is to teach the students how to develop hands-on learning skills that students will be able to use later in life.

“Ever since my son was enrolled on our campus, I always thought there should be a woodshop class,” Hurley said. “That is why I made a night class. Now we have decided to make it in the morning. I enjoy very much teaching people how to get hands-on and work with wood.”

Hurley is also teaching a woodworking class at The Peoples Church called “Craftsman”. It meets on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the same building as the woodshop class.

“Our meetings are open to anyone who would like to fellowship and learn a little about woodworking regardless of experience or abilities?regardless if they attend Peoples Church or not,” Hurley said.” “Sheree Temple, Photographer” “In an effort to provide an alternative to the traditional classroom, campus woodshop is celebrating its second year under the leadership of Randy Hurley, right. In what started as a class for Peoples Church members has morphed into a via hands-on classroom experience. Here Hurley explains measuring techniques to Josh Justin, ?03, left, and Jason Damm, ?06, on Oct. 3.” “Sheree Temple, Photographer” “After already completing a coffee table in woodshop class, Joseph Pettit, ?03, right, watches instructor Randy Hurley begins to outline the next project. Pettit next hopes to make a chair.” “