CTE auto tech program receives vehicle donation.

CTE auto tech program receives vehicle donation.

West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. 

By Kim Beardslee, correspondent. 

VICTORY TOWNSHIP (Mason County ) – West Shore Educational Service District’s Career and Technical Education Automotive Technology Program received a vehicle donation on Thursday, January 13 from NAPA Auto Parts of Ludington, located in Amber Township. 

The donation process began when NAPA Ludington owner Mike Wedding owner contacted program instructor John Michalik, in hopes of donating a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab pickup truck to the program.  

Michalik and Paraprofessional Jacob Turkett moved forward with the proposal by first presenting the opportunity for CTE students to Jamie Bandstra, WSESD/CTE director and the Automotive Advisory Committee. The committee, which consists of local professionals in the trade, gave its approval towards the next step, which was to present the donation opportunity to WSESD board of education, which approved the request on December 21, 2022.

 The vehicle will be used to facilitate increased student learning in the areas of electrical diagnosis, brake system theory and operation, engine driveline, suspension and steering, and heating and air conditioning. Automotive Technology students’ instruction follows state curriculum as well as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation Standards to help prepare students for the automotive service industry. 

Michalik said he was excited to receive the pickup which has parts and components that have seen many road miles. The truck allows Michalik to show students how to determine if  components are functional and which parts the students will need to replace.  

Wedding is also granting one of WSESD Automotive Technology second year CTE seniors a $1,000 scholarship to use to support their post secondary training at a trade school.  All applicants will meet with Wedding in person and Wedding will choose the best student candidate for the scholarship based on their interview and chosen career path.      

Abrahamson’s Towing of Ludington assisted in delivering the pickup free of charge. 

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