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CLOUDY Temp: 61 °F Wind: WNW at 5 mph Monday, September 29, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend September 23, 2003 North Medford High School senior Paul Lecroy demonstrates compression testing in the school�s newly painted and improved auto shop. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Student auto shop in mint condition By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune Last year, the auto shop at North Medford High School was so cluttered with broken lawn mowers, clunky tools and junker cars that students had a tough time moving from one end of the room to the other. "There was just tons of stuff everywhere," said senior Paul Lecroy, an advanced auto student. "It was pretty bad." "It was more like a junk shop," added Daniel Holstien, also a senior. So when September rolled around, both Lecroy and Holstien admitted they were blown away by the changes that had taken place within the old shop building. Advertisement Dismantled motors had been hauled away and recycled, test vehicles driven to new locations and all classroom equipment and tools sorted and stored away. A crew from Lithia Motors voluntarily re-painted the interior at no cost to the district. According to veteran auto teacher Tim Ponzoha, the building had been transformed into something resembling a working garage and repair shop. "Anything that would lift or move, we took it out," said Ponzoha. "We wanted it to look like a local store where you would bring your car in to be worked on," he added. But recent changes to the district’s auto department go beyond fresh paint and open spaces. Ponzoha said several internal changes are under way that should help students secure employment within the automotive field after graduation. Those changes — which include creating an intern program for advanced students and bringing local, automotive experts to speak during classes — were originally scheduled to take place when the automotive department moved out of the high school and into a new, 210,000-square-foot skillscenter. The $38 million building would have housed technical programs from both North and South Medford high schools. But voters in November rejected a bond measure that would have funded the skills center and other improvements to the district. Despite the bond failure, Ponzoha said the district’s automotive department will continue moving forward. "Hopefully, the changes will draw students in here," said Ponzoha. "Right now, everybody’s screaming for auto technicians. There’s a real need out there." Currently, there are several hundred students taking auto classes at North and South Medford. Both schools offer basic classes, but students who advance in the field are bused to North Medford, which has more extensive garage facilities. Students in basic classes learn about car engines, oil and tire changes and safety issues. Advanced students tackle diagnostics and repair work. Students practice on vehicles that are donated to the school district. Advanced students are allowed to work on their own automobiles and sometimes their teachers’ as well. Some students, such as junior Matt Wellington, said the recent changes will help him prepare for a future career in mechanics. "I really like our shop, especially now that it’s clean," said Wellington, 16. The North Medford junior added that the program allows students to compete in events to showcase their talents. "We learn what we need for the real world," he said. "At the competitions, there are colleges that scout, and scholarships are out there, too." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times