Senior puts laser focus on project to raise money for shop class

The high school shop class shapes more than wood, metal and other materials for a myriad of uses. It also shapes young minds and abilities to invest in the future. Kyle Hommel is a good example of that.

Hommel, 17, took what he has learned in shop and from his father to complete his senior project, which used his skills to raise money for his favorite class.

The idea for his project came from his father, Kyle Hommel Sr., when he created metal fish-themed sculptures using a plasma cutter to sell online.

"(My dad) gave me all the files to make all the stuff, and I did it in the school shop," Hommel said. He used the shop's plasma cutter to carve out each piece. "I did a bunch of stuff like coat hangers and key hooks, then we took it down to the Christmas sale at the Nolan Center."

The senior sold the pieces along with wood sculptures made by middle school shop students to raise about $850 for the shop class.

"Right now, that money goes into the class and club account which helps with expenses such as tools, repairs and materials for shop projects," said Winston Davies, the high school and middle school shop teacher.

Davies said the proceeds from Hommel's project will help invest in future classes. "Kyle's a good hand in the shop and will most likely go into the trades. This contribution will help kids down the road who also might head that direction."

It took about a week for Hommel to produce about 60 items to sell at the Christmas market, with skeleton key hooks going for $40 and smaller items selling for $15. Davies also contributed to the offerings by crafting sculptures from old wooden saw handles.

"I just wanted to see money go into the shop," Hommel said. "They don't get quite as much funding as other stuff."

After graduation, he said he plans on attending WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming, to become certified as an auto mechanic, something he's been interested in for most of his life. His plan right now is to complete the program and then return to Southeast - most likely Wrangell - to provide the community with a much-needed service. Hommel made the decision after the Wyoming school made a presentation at the high school.

This year, the senior is taking marine fabrication. Though he's not building his own boat, he is helping others on their projects.

"Kyle needs a good kick in the butt to get going, but once he's rolling, he's good," Davies said. "One thing about Kyle is that he shows up every day, on time, five days a week, with a good attitude and (he) works. That actually seems rare lately - to have a high schooler show up regularly like that, and that is important."