For Windsor Central High School junior Max Evans, carpentry is about more than wood, nails and a hammer.

“It’s a passion,” said Evans.

It’s also a talent, one Evans put on full display when he took First Place in the Cabinet Making division in the regional Skills USA competition at SUNY Morrisville on February 2nd. Evans beat out five others in the competition.

“It makes you feel good about what you’re doing. It was good to have people see more of the fine work than the rough carpentry I could do,” said Evans.

Evans had three hours to build a TV stand/mantel for a fireplace based on a blueprint and model. Evans spends about two hours each school day in the Carpentry program at BOCES.

“I’ve always liked building stuff. It gets me away from school. I’d rather be hands-on,” said Evans.

After the win at SUNY Morrisville, Evans is now looking forward to the state Skills USA competition in Syracuse in April. He’ll have a full day to work on his project there.

Evans is unsure of his plans after high school. He’s thinking of either attending SUNY Delhi or entering a carpenters union and joining the workforce.

“My teachers always say there aren’t as many young apprentices as there used to be and they always need people,” said Evans.