For the fifteenth year in a row, Alan and Claire Peterson, of Cobb County, presented Snap-on tool sets each valued at approximately $6,000 to Chattahoochee Technical College students in the college’s Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment, and Automotive Collision Repair programs in honor of their son, Mike Peterson. The Petersons presented the tool sets on Wednesday, April 24, in a ceremony held at the college’s North Metro Campus in Acworth.
“We are very thankful for the steadfast support of the Petersons throughout the years to make a difference in the lives of our students,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Newcomb. “So many of our students who are now working all across Metro Atlanta have benefitted from their generosity. These tool sets have been essential in helping them move forward in their careers.”
The 2019 Mike Peterson Memorial Award recipients were:
- Luis Aria, of Marietta
- Aaron Bivins, of Roswell
- Stuart Seiler, of Marietta
- Jennifer Wiggington, of Talking Rock
In order to be considered for this award, Chattahoochee Tech students enrolled in the Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, and Automotive Collision Repair programs must meet award GPA requirements, complete and application, write an essay, and provide a letter of recommendation from a current Chattahoochee Tech faculty member.
“I am beyond grateful to the Petersons for providing me with the actual tools I will need to succeed in my career,” said award winner Suart Seiler, of Marietta. A 2016 Hillgrove High School honor graduate who grew up helping his father work on his family’s cars, Seiler said that the Automotive Technology program at Chattahoochee Tech was a perfect fit for him. “I feel like I’m getting a great education and learning a lot,” said Seiler. “When I graduate in May, I hope to work for a dealership as a technician.”
Award winner Luis Aria, of Marietta, works for Hennessy Automotive Jaguar and Land Rover in Buckhead as he pursues his associate degree in Automotive Technology.
“The Petersons’ generosity will allow me to more effectively and efficiently tackle more difficult jobs as a Jaguar and Land Rover trainee,” said Aria. “Having access to this professional set of tools, I feel more confident than ever in pursuing my dream of becoming a master technician.”
Award winner Jennifer Wiggington, of Pickens County, is a nontraditional student in the Automotive Technology program at Chattahoochee Tech who is attending classes primarily at the college’s Appalachian Campus.
“This award is an answer to prayer that I and my family are very appreciative of,” said Wiggington. “A technician is required to at least have a starter set of tools in which to begin work. With two teenage children beginning their driving years, this was going to be difficult to accomplish on our own. This award has made all the difference in the jobs I will be able to apply for once classes are complete in May. The Mike Peterson Memorial tool set award is a blessing for my future.”
In October 2018, Chattahoochee Tech honored Alan and Claire Peterson as the college’s “Volunteer of the Year” to thank them for their many years of dedicated service in raising over $146,000 to benefit Chattahoochee Tech students. The Petersons organized a memorial golf tournament every fall since 2003 to raise proceeds that have funded the tool set awards.
