Pulaski Academy & Central School District

Students in the Pulaski Academy and Central School District (PACS) Transportation class are making impressive progress on a hands-on woodworking project: building a cedar strip canoe entirely from start to finish.

Throughout the project, students have completed every stage of the build themselves, including cutting and shaping the forms, laying the cedar strips, and applying fiberglass. The class recently reached a major milestone by successfully removing the canoe from its form, marking a significant step forward in the construction process.

While the canoe is still a work in progress, students are now preparing the interior and getting ready for the next round of fiberglassing.

Transportation teacher Wes Clarke said the project was inspired by his own high school experience, when he completed a similar canoe build under the guidance of his shop teacher, Bruce Bennett, who has since retired from West Canada Valley.

“I wanted to give my students the same meaningful, hands-on experience I had,” Clarke said. “This project teaches patience, precision, and pride in craftsmanship.”

Bennett recently visited the class to share his expertise and offer guidance throughout the build. Clarke credited Bennett’s mentorship and support as an important part of the project’s success and said the class looks forward to his next visit.

The canoe build has provided students with valuable technical skills and real-world problem-solving experience, creating a memorable learning opportunity they will carry with them well beyond the classroom.