Gettell Automotive Group of Gainesville donated $25,000 Tuesday to the Automotive Technology Academy at Lofton High School's Professional Academy Magnet.
“I think this contribution, this partnership that we have, not just in the form of a check or financial assistance, but by giving them a career opportunity, it's going to make a bigger difference in their lives and their future than we know and potentially change their trajectory,” Lofton High School Principal Christopher Bracewell said in his speech.
Goettel, which also owns Gatorland Toyota and BMW of Gainesville, donated $25,000 to the program last year, but automotive technology instructor and director Ray Fayo said he doesn't expect a donation to be made again this year.
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Photo courtesy of Glory Lights Loften High School students change the oil in their cars during class.
Fayo said last year's donations enabled the program to build a shed to store equipment that isn't used on a daily basis, while this year's “big surprise” will help buy more training equipment.
Fayo, who worked in auto technology for 21 years before becoming a teacher, now meets with the advisory board twice a year to learn what the industry is currently looking for. Gettel dealers are part of that partnership.
“What I like most about (the program) is interacting with the kids and getting them interested in something — not just a job, but a career,” Fayo said in an interview.
Last year, Lofton's automotive technology students earned 72 industry certifications.
Fayo said they also help students learn soft skills such as showing up on time, not using their cell phones and dealing with customers.
“The first thing everyone says in the industry is we want people to exist,” Fayo said.
Photo by Glory Reitz Students work on a car in Lofton High School's automotive technology program.
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