Quaker State Announces Top High School Of 2016 ‘Best in Class Challenge’

Quaker State Announces Top High School Of 2016 ‘Best In Class Challenge’

Quaker State announces the winner of the "Best in Class Challenge," a six-week automotive education program featuring high school auto shops from across the U.S.

Jordan Vocational High School of Columbus, Georgia wins Quaker State "Best in Class Challenge."
Jordan Vocational High School of Columbus, Georgia wins Quaker State “Best in Class Challenge.”

 

Quaker State announces the winner of the “Best in Class Challenge,” a six-week automotive education program featuring high school auto shops from across the United States.

As the winner of this year’s 1st Place Grand Prize, the Red Jackets from Jordan Vocational High School in Columbus, GA, were awarded a $2,500 credit account at AutoZone, a customized tool kit ($500 value), a feature digital article on automotive websites and the opportunity to sell their vehicle at a Barrett-Jackson auction with proceeds being awarded back to their school. In addition, all finalists had the opportunity to receive mentorship from celebrity judges along the way.

Each participating school was awarded ownership of their customized vehicle from the competition along with credit accounts at their local AutoZone stores in the following amounts:

• 2nd Place: Charles B. Aycock High School – Pikeville, NC – $2,000

• 3rd Place: Satellite High School – Satellite Beach, FL – $1,500

• 4th Place: Kearny High School – Kearny, NJ – $1,000

• 5th Place: New Trier High School – Winnetka, IL – $750

“Quaker State believes in empowering the next generation of automotive technicians, and the ‘Best In Class Challenge’ is our special way of reaching out on a personal level to achieve just that,” explained Laura Jaime, Quaker State North American marketing manager. “For the second year in a row, these students have been put through the gauntlet of hands-on automotive exercises to get their vehicles into auction block shape. The hard work and creativity the students displayed throughout the six-week challenge was an inspiring glimpse into the future of our industry.”

Throughout the six weeks of competition, the five auto shop teams were tasked with a different challenge each week and were responsible for customizing, restoring, and fine-tuning a pre-owned Ford Mustang (valued at approximately $3,000) into a pristine, creative representation of their school. Each team was judged weekly on various automotive criteria that took into account before and after diagnostic testing results, interior and exterior customization work, general engine maintenance and overall creativity.

Competition judges and student mentors included Tommy Pike, owner of Tommy Pike Customs in Greenville, SC, and Mike Spagnola, vice president of OEM & Product Development Programs of SEMA. In addition, actor and car enthusiast Sung Kang participated in the “Best In Class Challenge” as an automotive mentor to the students.

“These teams pulled out all the stops this year to make their Ford Mustang stand out from the rest and represent their schools,” said Pike, an automotive customization expert with more than 15 years in the business. “Their eagerness to get under the hood and get their hands dirty reminds me a lot of myself at their age. I have to give so much credit to the instructors of these programs. The guidance, encouragement and training that they provide often goes unnoticed or unrecognized. The next generation of enthusiasts are dependent on these programs and it has been a privilege to partner with them and mentor these students.”

As part of their prize package, the Red Jackets from Jordan Vocational High School will attend the Barrett-Jackson auction in West Palm Beach, FL, on April 8, 2017. The students and their instructor, Robert Harris, will be with their customized vehicle when it is auctioned off to the highest bidder. The gross proceeds earned from the auction will be awarded back to the school as prize money.

“The Quaker State ‘Best in Class Challenge’ has been a life-changing experience for me and my students, said Harris. “This competition is just what was needed for my students to see their potential. They are ready for more now. The life lessons and relationships built would not have been possible without this opportunity. All of my students in the entire program have a bigger interest in cars now, not just the team.”

Starting in September 2016, approximately 55 semi-finalist schools were responsible for securing as many votes as possible to be nominated for the “Best in Class Challenge.” The team with the most votes from each of the five markets, one from each market (Chicago, IL; Northern New Jersey; Atlanta, GA; Orlando, FL; and Charlotte, NC), then became finalists and moved on to compete in six weeks of automotive challenges.

 

To stay up-to-date on the latest Quaker State activities, be sure to “Like” the official Quaker State Facebook Page and follow Quaker State on Twitter.

 

 

You May Also Like

ASE Education Foundation, Goodguys Continue Partnership

Goodguys is one of many industry relationships the foundation has developed to help solve the technician shortage.

The ASE Education Foundation and Goodguys Rod and Custom Association (Goodguys) are continuing their partnership and will conduct educational awareness seminars at select Goodguys events throughout the 2024 season.

Since its inception, the ASE Education Foundation has brought industry and education together to develop entry-level technicians. Goodguys is one of many industry relationships the Foundation has developed to help solve the technician shortage.

January Crossword Puzzle Winners Announced

Here are the 10 randomly selected winners from all complete Crossword entries. You can’t win if you don’t play!

Livestream: OBD Zero Diagnostics In An OBDII World

Join us at 2PM EST on Friday, February 25 for this live event sponsored by Summit Racing.

US Auto Industry Update: What You Need To Know

Automotive industry expert Daron Gifford, of Plante Moran, discusses the outlook for doing business in the U.S.

More Than A Model – Building Small-Scale Race Cars

The builds feature every detail of the real vehicle both inside and out and give the illusion of a real car.

Other Posts

NTK Technologies Announces Merger into Niterra North America

The merger will take effect on April 1, and NTK Technologies will begin operating under Niterra North America Inc.

HD Repair Shops Report Increases in Counter Sales, Labor Rates

The data comes from a Fullbay report published in partnership with ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council.

PGI Wins Quality Award from NAPA Auto Parts

Premium Guard, Inc. was recognized for its leadership and excellence in quality.

Valvoline Celebrates Female Service Center Employees

Valvoline is launching a social media campaign led by its female experts who are sharing automotive preventive maintenance tips to promote accessible vehicle care for all.