As the school year drew to a close, the Clear Creek School District brought together hundreds of community partners and volunteers who dedicate their time, talent and treasure to boost and support the district’s more than 41,000 students throughout the year. Space Center Houston was the perfect setting for the breakfast celebration to honor a community of volunteers that goes Above and Beyond in all that they do for the region’s future leaders.
Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith opened the program by sharing a community impact report which highlighted successes achieved throughout the year in CCISD, many of which were made possible by businesses, mentors and volunteers. He then announced the 2015 Community Partner of the Year, the CCISD Automotive Technology Advisory Board.
“The district’s Automotive Technology Program is a shining example of success in reaching our goal of ensuring our students are college and/or career ready by the time they graduate,” he said, going on to explain how Advisory Board members lend their experience, resources and, most importantly, real-world opportunities to students, building the bridge from high school to a career.
Automotive Technology Advisory Board members also invested countless hours to help the program acquire and maintain the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation certification, mentoring students in their businesses, and providing input on best practices to bring the curriculum to life.
Members also offer paid internships for students, and in some cases, have even provided assistance with college tuition. The following are members of the CCISD Automotive Technology Advisory Board who were recognized:
Automotive Youth Education Systems: Ric Menard
Clear Lake Body Shop: Charlie Ruhl
McRee Ford: Tedio Alameda, and Tim Allen
Meeks Outboard Service: Steve Hicks
Norman Frede Chevrolet: Chance Cartwright, Clarence Sklenarik, Dan Kennedy, Eddie Cox, Joan McKinney, John Barrow, Lawrence Sklenarik, Steven Stacy, and Trever Craigie
Ron Carter Autoland: Donna Canales-Schaffner, Alan Martin, Bill Sexton, Kevin Smith, and Larry Volkman
Ron Carter CJD: Lance Lurker
Ron Carter Clear Lake: Jeff Dach
San Jacinto College: Mark Deschner, Matt Hardy, and Tom Hameka
Snap On Tools: Benjy Lapp
Taylor Automotive: Cindy Taylor and Frankie Taylor
UYL: Larry Bruggman
CCISD Transportation: Dean Lewis, Robert Frieda, and Mike Le Grand
CCISD Instructor: Mike Hedger
CCISD Career Specialist: Kathleen Gandin
The Elementary and Secondary Volunteers of the Year were then announced from a pool of 44 campus volunteers who were each nominated by the school they primarily support.
North Pointe Elementary School was named the Volunteer Champion Campus as it collectively logged the most volunteer hours in CCISD this school year.