Tyrone High School junior Dalton McKeehen recently showed off some exceptional woodworking skills in Mr. Daniel Plummer’s carpentry class by building a china cabinet.

Mr. Plummer gave the students an assignment to research and decide what type of project they would like to build.  It took McKeehen five months to complete this project.

McKeehen wanted to make a project that he considered to be worthwhile. According to McKeehen, the work was a fun experience and he and others are very impressed with the results.

McKeehen had several offers to purchase the cabinet from him. He was rewarded with a 96% for his project.

“[I made this] for my mother because she has always wanted a china cabinet,” stated McKeehen.

Other student’s projects also caught Plummer’s eye including Adam Flick’s hope chest and Josh Fetters’ entertainment center.

“Each individual is different and have different levels of skill,” said Plummer, “Therefore, they  work to their ability and at their own pace.”

The biggest obstacles that students face are dealing with the setbacks of production and comprehending and visualizing their final project.

Plummer helps his students through all of their setbacks and their problems. He also encourages them to do the best that they can with their project and he demonstrates different techniques for them to utilize in order to complete their projects.

The project was a part of Skills USA, a newly formed student organization made up of students from Mr. Plummer’s Carpentry class and Mr. Edward Vancas’ Production Metals class. This organization provides leadership skills and an opportunity to compete with other students locally and throughout the state of Pennsylvania. These students are also given the opportunity to receive scholarships, grants, or chances of employment.

Mr. Plummer thanked Superior Lumber and G&R Excavating for donating the materials and for their continued support of Tyrone’s carpentry program.