MEXICO — An investment in buying a car – be it a clunker or a new model – is one of those rights of passage as most high school students get ready to enter the adult world. However, as most seasoned car owners can attest, buying the car is just the tip of the iceberg for this investment. Maintenance keeps the car in running order and in the long run cuts down on expenses.

That’s where students in the automotive technology program at Region 9 School of Applied Technology have a leg up on their peers.

According to instructor Dan Richard, his students “learn the basics of automotive technology, prepare for post-secondary school and learn key information for owning their own vehicle.”

Mountain Valley High School senior Ben Plourde is a second-year student and his motivation is simple. “I have always been fascinated with engines from the time I was a kid. I wanted to see if it was for me and I fell in love with it.”

For Mitchell Sabins, it’s fulfilling a dream. “I choose this program because I have always loved working on cars. It has been a dream to always be an auto tech.“ Sabins is a senior at Telstar High School and is in his third year in the program.

In terms of what students like about the program, two themes emerge: a day away from “regular” school and the teachers. Jerry Pelletier is the other instructor in the program.

Hunter Chase said, “I like the fact you get to face real world problems here in the garage. I don’t feel like I’m in school at all.” Chase is also a senior at Telstar.

“It’s like a day off from school,” said Dirigo senior Justin Dowland. “I’m doing something I enjoy and learning life skills!”

MVHS sophomore Brandon Daigle is in his first year of the program. He said, “I like the teachers here. They are awesome guys to have teaching. They take the time to help and answer questions.”

Each year the students earn a variety of certifications. Automotive Lift Safety Seminar is an essential program that each student must pass yearly.

“When you put a 2000-pound vehicle six feet in the air, you want to make sure it says there until you’re ready to put it down,” said instructor Jerry Pelletier.

Patch Rubber Company Tire Repair Seminar and fire extinguisher training are two more examples of yearly certificates.

Caleb Miele recommends the program for the capstone certification, a State of Maine inspection license. The Dirigo sophomore said, “Definitely do it [automotive technology program] but stay for two years so you can get your inspection license.”

In addition to the certification, students visit colleges to learn about post-secondary options.

“If you love working on cars and motors then this program is a really good idea for you,” Brittany Gaudet stated emphatically. She is a MVHS junior and in her first year.

Telstar senior Jeremiah MacKaye added, “I would tell them it’s the best experience I have ever experienced in high school!”

A student interested in learning more about the program should contact Region 9 for a tour. Anyone with a car to donate to the program may call Dan Richard at 364-3764, ext. 132.

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