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Walk into any parent’s home and you’re likely to find a collection of crafts their child created throughout his or her school career.

Walk into Kurt and Lisa Sumner’s home and you’ll find a colonial-style buffet that their son, Tate, made for them last semester.

It’s quite a step up from the typical clay flower pot.

Tate, who is a senior at Goshen High School, worked with his teacher, Joe Fedor, to create the buffet during his Wood and Materials Processing Class. Made from poplar and red mahogany aniline dye, the buffet took approximately three months to finish.

“I started at the end of September and finished just after winter break,” said Tate. “It took a lot of time, but I worked on it during class, free study halls and after school.”

Tate began creating furniture while working for his uncle, who is a trim carpenter. He’s made a trunk for his brother, is halfway through two side tables and plans on creating a desk as well as other pieces of furniture.
“My inspiration comes from seeing other pieces of work; when I see something I like, I try to replicate it,” said Tate.

Tate is involved in stage production for the school plays and musicals and will take Advanced Wood next semester.