Alternative Education Pathways

Chairpersons:  Peggi Nash and Eva Schlussel

By DANIEL FOSTER
Special to the Press Enterprise

Kyle Toth is an example of talent meeting luck at just the right time to create special opportunities.

The 19-year-old Temecula resident is one of 12 students in the nation accepted into the master woodworking program at North Bennet Street School in Boston, where he is enrolled in a two-year program leading to certification as a master craftsman.

Toth was interested in building things from the time he started playing with Legos. He made skateboards at an early age and quickly moved on to making furniture. When he was 16, his parents received a clear sign of his ability when he made a table for the family kitchen.

Gifts of quality wood and use of a variety of tools expanded his skills and passion for fine craftsmanship. A neighbor acquainted him with wood turning on a lathe. From there he made the leap into crafting complicated segmented bowls and artfully turned baseball bats, which he exhibited at the Del Mar Fair.

Though self-taught throughout his early years, it became obvious that Toth's level of focus and skill surpassed what his high school classes could offer. Luck prevailed when one of his teachers and a counselor at Great Oak High School in Temecula connected Toth to a small niche school to advance his skills and to a local community organization excited to help pay some of his expenses.

Toth became the first recipient of the Temecula Valley Woman's Club Alternative Education Pathways Scholarship. The award differs from the other academic scholarships the club gives out because it assists talented young people who would not ordinarily be considered for an academic scholarship. The club supports recipients' efforts by rewarding their extraordinary skill, talents and passion pursuing work in a chosen field of interest or trade.

Toth impressed club members with his ambition and motivation to develop creative woodworking skills.  "We are proud of Kyle's accomplishments and ever-increasing talents," Club President Pat Farmer said. "He is a great example of the youth we have in our valley and I hope that this scholarship program will have the opportunity in the future to assist others with their alternative career paths. We certainly chose the perfect student for our first AEP scholarship."

Toth's first year at Mount Palomar College was fully funded by the club and his dream to attend North Bennet Street School became a reality this past year when the club paid for his tools as he started his first semester at the unique school.

Since its inception in 1885, the school has pioneered the concept of intensive personalized instruction in a workshop setting for the sole purpose of learning a trade. It teaches woodworking, musical instrument construction, book binding and other trades. In his course work, Toth is taught the craftsmanship needed to create furniture by hand using the highest quality techniques and standards practiced for centuries.

Toth said he feels fortunate to have learned about the North Bennet and to receive the club's assistance in following his dream.  "When I went to Mount Palomar my woodwork noticeably improved," he said. "The same thing has happened with my work at North Bennet Street School. I can tell I am working on another level with the individual hands-on approach at the school."

Peggi Nash of the club echoed the praise for the Toth's accomplishments and attitude.  "Kyle is an outstanding young man in every respect and extremely humble," she said. "He would never tell you that while he was in high school he volunteered his talent and time to create things for others."

For example, she said, when the school needed a podium, he built one. After he was chosen for the club scholarship, he displayed and sold his work at the 2008 Home Tour and gave part of the proceeds to the club.

Mission Statement

 To assist in the continuing education of uniquely talented young people

in the Temecula/Murrieta area.

If you are interested in learning more about TVWC’s Alternative Education Pathways or know a candidate you think we might be interested in, please contact us at  info@tvwc.com.

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