WILTON – The Guild of N.H. Woodworkers has awarded a grant to the Industrial Technology Department at the middle/high school, – $4,750 worth of wood lathes, tool kits, a sharpener, “and all kinds of other stuff,” according to Dr. Annamarie Pennucci, secretary of the Seacoast Woodworker’s Club, and Vice President of the Guild.

The grant was written by teacher Justin Kane, part of his effort to upgrade and re-vitalize the wood shop and develop students in woodworking.

“Students need to enter the workforce adequately prepared with contemporary skills, adaptable to continued problem solving and

advanced capabilities toward a rapidly changing manufacturing landscape,” Kane wrote in an

announcement of the grant.

Much of the equipment arrived at the school on Thursday, May 9, brought by Pennucci and an assistant.

The grant consists of 3 Rikon 1-horsepower wood lathes, four PSI 16-piece lathe tool kits, a sharpening system, and associated hardware. The Guild is also providing networking, training, and technical support as they bring the program back on line.

The Woodworkers are also working with Kane to form a plan to rehabilitate and repair the school’s four existing 36-inch lathes. Pennucci is also providing training and technical support for Tech Ed. Programs.

In addition, Pennucci helped Kane secure several “mico grants,” about $200 for such items as safety glasses, dust masks, hex wrench sets, wood glue, mineral oil, and linseed oil.

Lane hopes to have a strong wood lathe turning program back in place next fall.

The Woodworkers Guild is part of a state-based educational and charitable organization dedicated to providing opportunity and training to middle and high school students across New Hampshire.