Their scholarships are not coming in the form of giant checks, but that doesn’t mean they won’t go to good use. Five automotive and motorcycle repair technology students from Chattahoochee Technical College were awarded with the Peterson Scholarship – a complete tool kit for their new career path.
“This scholarship is very unique and really embodies the most important aspects of what we do at the College,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “The college’s mission is based in occupational outcomes for our students. This scholarship literally provides the tools of the trade and offers the recipients a jump start on their careers.”
Three of the awards went to Cobb County residents Charlotte Carter and Nathan Keheley of Marietta and Steven Rann of Powder Springs. All three are students in the Automotive Technology Program.
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Carter is originally from England, where she began her quest to learn mechanics, first motorcycle and later auto mechanics. She has plans to begin working at a shop in Sandy Springs upon completion of her diploma program but wishes eventually to have her own shop. She says she knows it will require a lot of hard work, but she is willing to do what it takes. Charlotte is a single mom, working, going to school and doing it all.
Keheley is referred to by his lead instructor, Diane Geis, as a Doctor of Automotive. His love of cars has established his goals: to become a successful master technician and own his own business. Immediate goals may be reached sooner with the Mike Peterson Memorial Scholarship tool set because it could help him be promoted to an apprentice technician at the Honda dealership he works at. After graduation from CTC, he would like to continue and earn a Bachelor’s Degree in business or engineering, making it possible to own that automotive business in the future.
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Rann said he always loved tearing things up and trying to put them back together, which made his mother mad, because he broke so many toys taking them apart to figure out how they worked. Using that same energy, Steve learned the beginnings of auto mechanics from his dad. He discovered quickly the value of a Chattahoochee Tech Automotive Technology education when after being turned down repeatedly for jobs in automotive shops, he was hired immediately upon Ed Voyles Honda hearing that he was enrolled at CTC. He looks forward to working at other dealerships or car companies where his outstanding ability and education will lead him to success.
Alan and Claire Peterson established this scholarship in memory of their son, Michael. Family and friends keep his memory alive by awarding tool sets to students who are passionate about careers in the automotive industry. The Petersons hold an annual golf tournament each fall to raise funds for the scholarship awards. These scholarships were first awarded in 2006.
The winners of this year’s scholarship include five students from throughout the area:
- Charlotte Carter of Marietta
- Mike Edwards of Acworth
- Mario Graham of Villa Rica
- Nathan Keheley of Marietta
- Steven Rann of Powder Springs
The qualifications for the scholarships include completion of at least one year of study in a Chattahoochee Technical College program and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students applying for the scholarships are asked to complete an application, including a written essay, and provide a letter of recommendation from a current faculty member of Chattahoochee Technical College.
For more information on the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation, call 770-528-4522 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu/foundation.
