Car donated to PHS students |
Pittsburg High School automotive technology students may now have access to a 2004 Chrysler Sebring, but don't expect them to be taking it for any joy rides. The car was donated by Daimler Chrysler for educational purposes, and the students will use it to hone their car repair skills. Mike Elder, PHS Automotive technology teacher, said that he would put in faulty parts and give students different scenarios to try and fix. "This car was I think used at a training center somewhere, it's got like 33 miles on it is all," Elder said. "So they're virtually brand-new cars, but they can't be sold because they've been worked on and the liability for that would be too great. So instead of crushing the car or destroying it, they give it to a facility like ours for educational purposes. "The agreement that we have with Chrysler is that when we're done with it, the car gets crushed," Elder said. "We're to crush it and take a picture." The donation is in recognition of the third place finish at the National SkillsUSA Championships held this past summer, by Eric Soucy, Automotive Technology student and 2005 graduate of PHS. "Eric just finished up with our program last year," Elder said. "As a junior, he took first at state and then went to the national contest that year and placed seventh, I believe. Then he actually returned and got first at state again and then third at nationals. It's quite a statement because you're competing against the best in every state in the nation. "We've usually performed very well and Eric continued the tradition," Elder said. "We've won the state contest for the past five years in a row, and people are getting tired of that." The car, which has already been in use by the students, will be dedicated on Nov. 18 at 10:30 a.m. in the PHS Automotive Technology Shop, by Daimler Chrysler representative Scott Norman. Soucy will be there to help accept the car. In recognition of his achievement, he will "sign" the new vehicle so every student who receives training using the vehicle will know whose hard work and dedication provided the training aide, Elder said. "Eric will write his name and what he did in paint on the car so everybody can see it," Elder said. "It's pretty much the same thing as hanging a trophy in a case, but much bigger." In other education news: * This week's Pittsburg Community Middle School Dragon Braggin' student of the week is Teresa McCool. Mrs. Wescott says the following about her: Teresa always comes ready for the school day. She comes to class ready to work and learn. She works well with other students. Her teachers often find her politely "looking after" other students who need reminders, help or organization. She has initiative. She has given up several evenings to help her teachers with "housekeeping" in the classroom. Every morning she says good morning and asks how you are doing. She helps everyone to get focused and get their day started right! Way to go Teresa. Congratulations for being this week's Dragon Braggin' student of the week. Thank you Mrs. Wescott for nominating her. * Have any nominees for kids or students of the week? Kid of the week nominees should be sent to Nikki Patrick at nikki.patrick@morningsun.net. If principals have students of the week, they should send information to Kevin Flaherty at kevin.flaherty@morningsun.net. Please be sure to enclose photos. * It's almost time to be writing those Christmas gift requests to Santa Claus! Please email letters to Morning Sun managing editor Jessica Tims at jessica.tims@morningsun.net. Jessica and the big guy in red are close and she will be passing the letters on to him. Kids may also go to www.morningsun.net/santa and fill out a form. That site should be up next week. Santa checks his email frequently and prefers letters in email form, but children may also write them out. The letters must be in by Dec. 9, and the sooner, the better! The Morning Sun will accept letters from any student, regardless of grade. The Morning Sun, (www.morningsun.net) November 10, 2005 |
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