“It was by far the best idea and presentation we’ve seen here in Bucks County since the competition started.”
– Gov. STEM Judge
On February 2nd, 2018 5 students from Pennridge High School competed in the Bucks County Regional for Governor Wolf’s state STEM competition. Students throughout the state developed and produced a product that would “Improve Pennsylvania Through STEM.”
The Pennridge team built an acoustic guitar made from Pennsylvania hardwoods, provided by Bailey Wood Products. It’s common for acoustic guitars to use woods from South America and Africa. So using native Pennsylvanian woods helps stimulate the forestry and lumber industries of the state, as well as responsible tree planting and maintenance. The guitar will be donated to a local veteran to use as a coping method to PTSD.
The students used beautiful Quartersawn Walnut for the back and sides and used an amazing piece of Quartersawn Sycamore for the front. Hard Maple was used for the neck and fretboard. A prototype was made using these woods, as well as Poplar.
The 5 student team of Julian Arteaga, Zach Detweiler, Patrick Gannon, Sophia Goodson and Ella Slater were lead by Technology Education teacher Matt Peitzman and Science Coordinator Deborah Cotner-Davis.
After winning the local competition, the team’s next step is the state competition being held in May.
Bailey Wood Products congratulates the Pennridge Team for a thoughtful and compassionate application of their woodworking skills, while promoting and using Pennsylvania hardwoods. – Jeffrey Schucker and the Bailey Wood Products Staff
