Student car show gets in gear
A SkillsUSA student drives a student- built solar car at last year's Customand Classic Car Show. The show returns May 1.
Classics, customs and chrome are among the themes at the 11th annual car show benefiting students participating in Silicon Valley Career Technical Education’s SkillsUSA program.
Silicon Valley CTE, formerly known as the Central County Occupation Center, provides trade and technical classes for high school students in six districts in the San Jose area.
The hands- on programs include trades such as auto body repair, automotive repair, heating and air conditioning, carpentry and dental assisting for high schoolers.
Students make their way to competitions — such as a recent trip to Petaluma, where the teens brought home a collective 36 medals — but skills aren’t the only thing they gain from the program, said Bob McTaggart, auto body instructor and car show organizer.
“The students learn leadership and responsibility,” he said. “It really builds their self esteem. They grow as a person when they can try their skills against others in competition; it’s more than a gold medal.”
Nearly 40 Silicon Valley CTE students traveled to San Diego for the state competition this year. All proceeds from the car show go toward travel expenses to these competitions and other student needs throughout the year, McTaggart said.
“If a student can’t afford something, the school quietly helps out,” he said.
The car show, which sees about 1,000 spectators each year, is put on by students and staff volunteers. Aspaghetti dinner made by the school’s culinary arts classes is on the menu.
This year, Silicon Valley CTE hopes to include more than 300 classic, custom or vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles and bikes.
Those who want to show off their ride can do so for a $ 20 tax deductible donation at the gate.