Boston, MA The mentors for the Eco Carpentry challenge have the ability to impact the lives of the contenders. The projects are designed and in the process of being built by local high school students using recycled furniture provided by the city’s generous corporate donors. The goal of the annual challenge, which will be held on May 4, is to educate students and teachers about the value of recycling, while providing a creative opportunity for students to demonstrate their carpentry skills transforming old furniture into new products.  The mentors help and guide the students with their experience and knowledge, giving them an opportunity to envision careers in the industry. 73% of students who enter a competition ultimately go to work in that related field. This is a win win for all involved.

There is still a range of opportunities available, they welcome you to join The Furniture Trust in supporting this wonderful annual event.  For more info, please email dana@thefurnituretrust.org.

2017 Eco Carpentry Mentors & Contenders:

• Bill Olson, Wise Construction, Team Just-A-Start Youthbuild, Cambridge;

• Doug Caves, Agero, Team Medford Voc High School;

• John Lorusso, Agero, Team Medford Voc High School;

• Brian Connearney, Northeast Carpenters Union, Team Northeast Metro Regional Vocational Technical High School;

• Joe DeVeau, Officeworks, Team Madison Park Technical Vocational High School;

• Joseph DiClemente,  Structuretone, Team East Bridgewater;

• Ryan Eisenhauer,  Structuretone, Team East Bridgewater;

• Karen Bala,  Dyer Brown, Team Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School;

• Alexandra Dupnik,  Dyer Brown, Team Worcester Alternative School;

• Neal Swain, Columbia Construction, Team Southeastern Reg. Vocational-Technical High School;

• Jacob Stephen,  Novartis,  Team Somerville Full Circle High School;

• Kane Cuddy,  Bond Brothers, Team Somerville Full Circle High School.