Car club provides equipment for two in top of class
Two of the top students in the auto tech program at Gilmer High School (GHS) should have little trouble finding the right tools for future repairs.
As the school year neared its end last week, the Apple Country Auto Club donated rolling tool chests complete with an array of tools to two deserving students.
Ken Martin, GHS automotive instructor, said senior Robby Sanders and sophomore Nick Chadwick received the equipment.
“They were picked by their classmates, who put it to a vote,” said Martin. “They were surprised. They knew something was happening, but didn’t know what.”
The car club has previously donated scholarship funding to graduating automotive students. Those who take the class can now become certified in several mechanical areas while still at GHS and use those certifications in the workforce, noted Martin.
“They’re learning at the level they normally would at a tech school. Instead of going to tech school, they’re going right to work,” he added.
The tools of the trade donated to the two young men are necessities in the auto repair field, confirmed Apple Country Auto Club member Mike Keesee, a retired ASE-certified master mechanic previously employed by Goodyear.
“It was kind of a special thing for me, being a retired mechanic of 48 years. I’ve been there and done that. It’s a tough job. It’s hard work, but also very gratifying,” Keesee said.
The $3,000 worth of tool chests and tools were purchased from the Auto Zone in East Ellijay, Keesee noted. The donated equipment includes socket wrenches and accessories, torque wrenches and various specialized tools, he said.
“I’m grateful that we were able to help as much as we could. We wanted to give them a leg up in life and trying to make a living,” Keesee said.
Martin said Sanders, who will soon graduate, is currently working at Ronnie Thompson Ford. Chadwick is applying and hopes to soon be employed in the auto repair field, he added.