Banking On Black Gold: Sandy High School Auto Tech Students Win 120 Gallon Oil Tank

Sandy, Ore. Dark, slick motor oil would not typically be a coveted prize for most high school students. But, surprisingly, it was for the auto tech students at Sandy High School. Oil represents a key ingredient to help them fulfill their hands-on educational requirements and skills testing. That's why, in recognition of Sandy High's first place finish in the 2004 statewide Automotive Technology Competition, the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association (along with competition co-sponsor Carson Oil) delivered a full 120-gallon oil tank and dispensing system while students, instructors and industry professionals congratulated and cheered for the winning team early Friday morning.

Due to lack of funding and recent initiatives, Oregon schools are being forced to cut back on programs (from art to auto shop) that do not fulfill basic state and federal educational requirements. To that end, full-time high school auto programs in metro Portland have declined. To combat the resulting program shortage, the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association provides more than $150,000 annually to local automotive education programs. In that effort, they sponsor the auto tech competition, fund a trip to New York City for the winning team and donate prize money to aid school auto tech programs. Co-sponsor Carson Oil contributes the filled oil tank and dispensing system.