[Kenny_S]

Dave,
It is always enjoyable to see what you come up with for these special kids. My hats is off to you.

[Thor]

I think Dave is a kid at heart, and a very enthusiastic, sincere one at that.
Wonderful project, and terrific to see the progress. Please post more pictures of the kid's finished ships when they are done.
thanks for showing us.
Thor

[BrandantR]

What a great job you have. You must love teaching kids and sparking that creativity within them. It means so much to a young mind to see that they can do anything they put their minds on. Well done.

[Lightningbolt]

Thank's again for the kind words!

Davy & Eddy: Shop teachers do seem to be memorable people and I sure hope that I'll be one of them somewhere down the road when I'm long gone from the job. Unfortunately, when the administrators are looking for ways to manage & conserve the scarce funding these days, it is usually the "arts" that are first to go and I am only one of two remaining woodshop programs in our organization, from New Hampshire to Florida. Fortunately, both Doug and I were residential counselors for many years with the same organization before woodshop so we have a very strong understanding of how to work with this particular population of kids effectively, unlike most of the other woodshop teachers who were just hired from the local community with no such experience.

Nonetheless, the leaders at my particular facility have still given up a LOT to keep the program that I've spent 14 years developing in place and I'm very grateful that they place such value on what I do with the kids. Most of the other facilities didn't have a strong woodshop program in place and gradually phased them out completely with no chance of re-opening. I have also assumed some of the other teaching responsibilities and teach other classes during the day in addition to ensuring the success of our scout troop, but the mornings are completely devoted to the woodshop and I live for that!

Thor: Your characterization of me is, I'm afraid, right on as I'm sure those who work with me would strongly agree. Are you sure that you're not an imposter and work with me every day, because you seem to have me "pegged" pretty good. One of these days I'm gonna stop by your place when traveling throught to visit family and friends in the Birmingham area... I'm sure that'd be a hoot! And yes, I will post more pictures of the completed ships as they get 'em finished and I've been pretty impressed with what they're coming up with.

[Banjo]

Dave, that's a wonderful project. Looks like it was tons of fun! Your kids are, indeed, so lucky to have you as their teacher. Way to go!