Sequoyah High School diesel equipment technology instructor Stacy Swallows, collision repair technology instructor Steve Gossett, welding team instructor Chris Renfro, Hamilton County Schools Career Technical Education Director Briggs Smith and automotive service technology instructor Mel Newby, from left, showcase a chrome engine that will be rebuilt at the Show Us Your Wheels event Sept. 24.
Photo by Katie WardHot rods, classic cars and motorcycles will rev their engines as they enter Sequoyah High School's parking lot for the seventh annual Show Us Your Wheels event Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The estimated 75 to 100 cars in the show will have a chance to win one of 25 people's choice plaques.
"We want to link the community and automotive industry to Sequoyah High School," said SHS collision repair technology instructor Steve Gossett. "Our main objective is to continue bringing the attention to the public of what we have to offer at Sequoyah High School. We also want to build community spirit and help kids at Christmas."
The Firefighters for Christmas Fund will receive all car show entry fees. Tickets cost $15 or an unopened toy donation. The fund, provided by Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department, usually assists 40 to 50 families each Christmas.
Wide Open Band lead singer Richard Taylor will serenade the car show crowd with country, blues and swing style songs. Patrons will have the opportunity to win automotive industry prizes such as tools, waxes, cleaners and more. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, chips and soft drinks will be for sale to support the Team Academy's Career Technical Student Organization Skills USA. Students in the academy will hand out car show fliers, assist with car registrations and give school tours at the show.
"We want people to know what student opportunities are here," said automotive services technology instructor Mel Newby.
Gossett said students can take classes in diesel mechanics, auto mechanics, collision repair and welding inside the Team Academy at Sequoyah High School. This year, 180 students are enrolled in the academy. Students learn about components of metals and how to repair metals.
Sequoyah students, along with East Ridge High School students, will take apart and rebuild a fully dressed small block Chevrolet engine at the car show.
Sequoyah diesel equipment technology instructor Stacy Swallows said once students graduate from the Team Academy, they have advanced placement status for jobs in the automotive industry. Gossett said 10 of Sequoyah's automotive graduates work at the new Volkswagen plant.
"We've had some good success stories," he said. "We want community support for what we are doing."
Hamilton County Schools Director of Career Technical Education Briggs Smith said it's all about creating success.
"We are about creating success for all students and enabling them to be productive citizens in society," he said, adding that Team Academy classes are open to both male and female students. "These are some of the finest teachers that run this program. Without these individuals none of this is possible."
• Sequoyah High School is located at 9517 W. Ridge Trail in Soddy-Daisy. To learn more about the car show, contact Mel Newby at 843-4724 or Steve Gossett at 843-4771 or email Newby at m_newby1@yahoo.com.