KCSOS Alt Ed Students Earn Top Honors in Woodworking, Culinary Arts

Saturday mornings this summer echoed with the sounds of saws and hammers as students at Redwood High School, based at the Crossroads Juvenile Treatment facility, got to work. Through the APEX woodworking program, they transformed raw lumber into something extraordinary — a handcrafted backyard clubhouse cabin.

Under the guidance of CTE Teacher Jack Bensusen, the teens gained more than carpentry skills, they built a project that is proudly being showcased at the Kern County Fair. The entry not only drew attention for its craftsmanship and purpose but took home a blue ribbon.

“Following the fair, the cabin will be donated to the KCSOS Preschool program ensuring it continues to inspire and serve young learners,” said KCSOS’s CTE Program Specialist Pamela Dobrenen.

Across the county at the Youth Detention Center (YDC) — formerly Juvenile Hall — students are also discovering the power of hands-on learning. This year marked the launch of a woodworking program for the longer-stay girls’ population. Working weekly with Bensusen, three girls created a handcrafted table and chair set that not only impressed judges at the fair but earned Best in Show honors. The set will remain in use at YDC, a daily reminder of their hard work and growing skills.

The fair also highlighted culinary creations made possible through the partnership between Kern County Probation and KCSOS. Three food entries — including Oatmeal Cookies, Cupcakes, and Hot Pepper Jam — won their categories, underscoring the students’ talents.

Dashonda Spratley, a senior youth services officer at Crossroads and master baker, oversees the culinary program alongside Rebecca Rivera, KCSOS’s Culinary Arts Facilitator. Together, they provide instruction, equipment, and ingredients while creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop life and career skills.

The program also includes farm-to-table gardening (both outdoor and indoor vertical gardens), ServSafe certification, and a “Restaurant Project,” where students practice customer service, food prep, and teamwork by running a mock restaurant event. The youth learn a trade, while mastering skills like teamwork and problem-solving.

“The program creates a safe space for these students to step away from distractions and just create,” said Officer Spratley. “We hit the ground running and it’s been a beautiful partnership ever since.”

A handcrafted table and chair set took home Best in Show at the Kern County Fair.

From left to right: KCSOS CTE Teacher Jack Bensusen, Probation Senior Youth Services Officer Dashonda Spratley, and KCSOS Culinary Arts Facilitator Rebecca Rivera.