Matthew Spallinger, a 2013 graduate of Bluffton High School and a 2015 graduate of the University of  Rio Grande, took first place for his Highboy Dresser in the Case Goods category in the Association of Woodworking Furnishings & Suppliers (AWFS) Fresh Wood competition for North American students considering a career in woodworking held in Las Vegas.

The biennial event, held as part of the AWFS Fair, an international trade show featuring all products and supplies for the woodworking industry, attracted 169 entries from nearly 50 different post-secondary and high schools in the United States and Canada with only 40 applicants chosen.

AWFS covered the cost of shipping the entries to and from the trade show, and the travel and hotel expenses to bring the students and their teachers to Las Vegas.

Judges ranged from owners of design firms and high end custom and commercial furniture companies, a design executive at a major furniture brand, and architectural millwork and luthier experts, providing a variety of perspectives to the judging process.

The entries were judged based on the design innovation and quality of presentation, the use of materials, methods and processes, the functionality and achievement of design intent and craftsmanship and quality.