SALEM, OR - The Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) recently donated a half dozen iPads to North Salem High School, winner of the association's 2013 Educator of the Year award.

The tablets will be put to use in the school's Cabinet Manufacturing program, which has drawn widespread attention in trade and consumer media for providing high school students skill sets that can put them on a career path in the woodworking industry. North Salem High School's Cabinet Manufacturing program has been the benficiary of more than $650,000 in donations from industry and business community groups.

Dean Mattson, woodworking instructor at North Salem High School, delivered a riveting speech at the April Woodworking Industry Conference in Tempe, AZ, in accepting the WMIA Educator of the Year Award. He detailed how the program uses a STEM and CTE Model, between cabinet manufacturing, mathematics, engineering and the business community. He also cited examples of some of the more underprivileged students that have excelled in the program.

John Park, president of WMIA, said, "One of WMIA's chief concerns is ensuring the future of the woodworking industry in the United States . Under the guidance of Dean Mattson, the Cabinet Manufacturing program at North Salem High School is making great strides in that regard. When we saw the success they are having training young people for careers in woodworking, we wanted to go beyond simply recognizing them with an award and provide tools that will further this education. We're looking forward to seeing the results"

Other 2013 WMIA Award winners include Stanley Furniture for Commitment to Excellence in Manufacturing through Technology, and Koetter Woodworking, Innovator of the Year.