Sawdust News November 2025
Turning Kids into Heroes: How William Davies Middle School Made SkillsUSA History
“It gives the students the self-worth… to show what they’re capable of doing.”
At William Davies Middle School in Mays Landing, New Jersey, the sound of saws and the scent of fresh-cut wood are changing lives.
This year, William Davies became the first middle school to participate in a SkillsUSA competition, blazing a trail for younger students to discover the power of hands-on learning and career exploration. And it all began with one inspired teacher, a supportive school leadership team—and a woodworking program powered by Maplewoodshop.
A Spark of Transformation
In a town of just over 6,000 residents, students are learning to build more than just projects—they're building confidence, collaboration, and career-ready skills.
According to Teacher Raymond Sykes, the program has taught students more than woodworking:
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
With Maplewoodshop providing the full suite of resources—including tools, materials, lesson plans, and training—this middle school woodshop became the launchpad for something much bigger: participation in a national career and technical competition traditionally reserved for high schoolers.
Meet the Students Behind the Tools
One of those students is Blake Mueller, a passionate hands-on learner who found his stride in the woodshop.
“Blake is definitely hands-on,” says his mom, Vanessa Mueller. “He loves woodshop… quads, dirt bikes—anything outdoors. This has been a great club for him.”
But beyond the fun of cutting and sanding, Blake and his classmates discovered something deeper. They were developing teamwork, perseverance, and a new level of curiosity.
“Some of the students are now asking more complex questions in math class because of their woodworking experience,” shared a math teacher at the school. “They're connecting abstract concepts like area and measurement to real-world problems they care about.”
A Career-Ready Mindset—Before High School
Thanks to Carpentry Teacher Stephen White of Gloucester County Institute of Technology, students began to see how these skills could translate into a real future.
“You can make a great living in the trades—without going into debt for college,” he explained. “This class gives them a real career path.”
This hands-on foundation is already opening new doors. Several students are now considering technical schools and trade-based programs for high school, a shift directly influenced by their experience in woodshop and the SkillsUSA challenge.
Leading the Way in Youth Development
Ralph Starace, Director of SkillsUSA NJ, praised the middle school’s participation and Maplewoodshop’s contribution to the program’s expansion.
“Workforce development in its purest form is happening right here,” he said. “These are life skills that matter—not just for future careers, but for personal growth.”
Maplewoodshop’s nine-year commitment to empowering youth through woodworking has helped thousands of students like those at William Davies discover their talents—and their potential.
Real Results
Students at William Davies didn’t just participate—they excelled, even earning awards at the SkillsUSA competition. Many of these students had previously struggled with engagement and academics. Now, they're showing up differently—in the classroom and in life.
“We’re seeing kids who were once on the fringes now fully involved,” said Ian Levine, the school’s vice principal. “We’ve seen grade improvements. We love this program and can’t wait to expand it.”
Why It Matters
At its core, this story isn’t just about woodworking or competitions. It’s about transformation—of schools, students, and futures. With the right tools, support, and vision, middle schoolers can become makers, leaders, and heroes in their own stories.
Maplewoodshop is proud to be part of that journey.
Watch the Full Video
See the story for yourself. Watch the William Davies Middle School SkillsUSA journey here.
Interested in bringing Maplewoodshop to your school?
Let’s build something that matters.
Contact us to learn how your students can take part in next year’s SkillsUSA competition.