Santa Barbara Youth Zander Doherty Receives Woodworking National Recognition

Dos Pueblos High School student Zander Doherty, age 17, has earned national recognition for his woodworking skills and is the first person in Santa Barbara history to qualify and compete in Freshwood at AWFS (Association of Woodworkers & Furnishings Suppliers). At the national competition, which took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from July 25-28, Doherty’s rocking chair took first place in the seating category and was also the recipient of the highly competitive “People’s Choice Award.”

In the spring, the Santa Barbara District hosted a student woodworking competition, where Doherty built and submitted a rocking chair made from walnut as his main entry. That chair was awarded “Best in Show,” as well as several other awards, including opening the door to national competition — and, ultimately, bragging rights.

Freshwood at AWFS is the biggest woodworking fair in North America, and Doherty was one of 20 high schoolers in the country selected to compete.