June 13, 2019

A team from Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford participated in the Eco-Carpentry Challenge.

​

The challenge is an annual event held by the Furniture Trust, a nonprofit that promotes responsible reuse of unwanted office furniture. 

​

Used office furniture donated by local businesses was delivered to the 10 participating high schools, where students had their spring semester to use teamwork, imagination and carpentry skills to transform these materials into new products, later donated back into the community.

​

Students networked with industry professionals and peer schools on May 2 at District Hall in Boston. They also showcased their upcycled items to a panel of judges. 

​

“My favorite part is definitely who we’re helping,” said Jimmy Casey, a senior at Hopedale High School. “Just being able to help anyone is awesome, and that’s what I really love about the challenge: taking used things, making them better, repurposing things, just helping someone in the community.” 

​

Casey and his team created a mock room for Hopedale’s special education department to help teach them life skills, including folding and hanging up clothes, making a bed and maintaining a room.

​

The Furniture Trust assigned each team a mentor from the architecture, construction, project management, facilities, and furniture industries to provide guidance and technical expertise throughout the design and construction of their projects.

“Be true to yourself and your team,” said Katrina Eliadis, of Nelson, who served as a mentor for the Worcester team. “Creativity comes in many forms and it’s easy to get side tracked, but always follow through with your team and your responsibilities, and make sure everyone is working toward the same goal.”

​

The 2019 Eco-Carpentry Challenge winners were:

• Runner op: Madison Park Technical Vocational High School — $1,000 prize

• First place, small shop: Northbridge High School — $2,000 prize

• First place, large shop: Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational High School — $2,000 prize

• People’s choice: Shawsheen Valley Regional Technical High School

“I’m blown away by the generous sponsors, furniture donors and especially these students who have created something they’re so proud to give back to the community,” said Christine Mosholder, founder of the Furniture Trust, “Reinvesting excess office furnishings back into the community has a proven multiplier effect, the positive impact of which can be seen in our youth, community and across our sustainable network.”