(Marietta, Ga. – March 31, 2017)
Six Chattahoochee Technical College students who are just starting their careers in the automotive and diesel repair industries will have a leg up in the field after each were awarded a Snap-On toolbox and $6,000 worth of tools through the Mike Peterson Memorial Award.
Automotive Technology and Diesel Equipment Technology students who received the Mike Peterson Memorial Award were Cameron Weaver of Acworth, Jerry Bedolla of Marietta, Malik Cain of Powder Springs, Darius Fletcher of Atlanta, Chandler Firestine of Acworth, and Ryan Stansel of Cartersville.
Cobb County residents Alan and Claire Peterson, with the help of family friends Ken and Clara McVicor, organize a memorial golf tournament every fall to celebrate the life of their son, automotive enthusiast and former CTC student Michael Peterson, who passed away in 2002. Proceeds from the annual Mike Peterson Memorial Golf Tournament have helped more than 70 award recipients build their careers over the past 13 years.
During a presentation ceremony held March 29 at the Marietta Campus, Chattahoochee Tech President Ron Newcomb praised the Petersons for their fundraising efforts.
“This is one of the most incredible things that I get to do as president,” Newcomb said. “This is a tremendous gift of support. The act of what they have done in itself is so very impressive. I have been so very captivated by their steadfast commitment.”
Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Chair Don Barbour shared a similar sentiment.
“We hear so often how students are challenged by the expense of new tool sets upon graduation, and your gifts allow these students to be successful on day one,” he said. “The Peterson’s unwavering commitment and passion for Chattahoochee Tech automotive and diesel students has changed their lives. Their support and enthusiasm inspires us all.”
Alan Peterson said the relationship between his family, Snap-On, Chattahoochee Technical College and Chattahoochee Tech Foundation is ultimately a win for the students.
“This is what this effort is all about. Right here. Right now. Awarding tool sets to students is why we do what we do,” he said. “We love to see these students come out of school and gain employment right out of the gate. That’s why we exist.”
Malik Cain, who is on track to graduate from the Automotive Technology program in May, is one student whose life was changed forever thanks to the Petersons.
“Just having the honor to fix cars that people love makes me feel like I am doing the right thing, and I have always wanted my own tools,” he said. “Usually, a lot of dealerships require that you bring your own tools because you are not a mechanic without your own tools, and they are not supplied by the dealership.”
For Chandler Firestine, a Diesel Equipment Technology student, the tools will open doors to a fulfilling career. He said he has a passion for diesel technology and hopes to start a career in an established shop or eventually open his own shop.
“This award will allow me to get started in the industry. Having the tools will allow me to apply for jobs and get started in my career,” he said.
U.S. Air Force Veteran Cameron Weaver will graduate from the Automotive Technology program at the end of the spring 2017 term, and he said the tool sets will help him advance at his current place of employment.
“I now have the tools to actually start my career,” Weaver said. “I don’t have to spend all of my money on tools now, and this will allow me to be more efficient and effective in the workplace.”
The qualifications for the award include completion of at least one year of study in a Chattahoochee Technical College program and having a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students applying for the award are asked to complete an application, write an essay and provide a letter of recommendation from a current faculty member of Chattahoochee Technical College.