May 2019
Twisted Automotive, a collision repair shop in Kalamazoo, MI is supporting the Comstock High School SEMA build through the donation of their painting services. The Jeep is heading into the paint booth for a full body refresh. Trevor Hoekstra, owner of Twisted Automotive is also a Comstock High School auto-shop alumnus, a member of the graduating class of 2010. Through this donation, he is giving back to the program where he spent his high school years crafting his skill which eventually led him to opening his own business.
Trevor looks back at the time he spent in the Comstock Automotive Technology program fondly. "Mr. Basse was one of those teachers that ensured we walked away with an in depth understanding of the subject being covered whether it was brakes, suspension, drive train etc." Trevor worked on as many cars as possible in the collision and repair sector after high school to gain experience before making the leap to start his own business. "This industry is very demanding, but it is also something I enjoy doing and at the end of the day, that's all that matters." Trevor enjoys mentoring students and recent grads. "I enjoy showing young people that a sustainable career can come from becoming a tech and not to be intimidated by big expensive toolboxes. Most of the jobs you get coming out of school can be done with your basic set of tools. Getting a job as a lube tech or tire tech is a great way to get in the door, grow your collection of tools as well as your set of skills and eventually move your way up."
The students have been busy adding on all of the aftermarket products that have been donated by the sponsors of this build.
March 2019
Dave Ludington, owner of Just JeepN' Stuff visited the students at Comstock High School in March and hand delivered his product, Weekender Series Cargo Roof Rack & Attachment System. While in the shop, Dave hosted a product demo where he taught the students about his company, their products, how they are made and helped to install the cargo rack on their 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara hardtop.
The more students can talk to passionate people in the automotive aftermarket industry, the more they can envision a future for themselves to continue their education in the trade and hold a rewarding career that fulfills their passion. Thanks for supporting our industry's future, Just JeepN' Stuff!
March 2019
Comstock High School, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan is partnering with the Specialty Equipment Market Association for their high school vehicle build program. Students of the high school auto tech program will be customizing a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara before the end of the 2019 school year.
The program, aimed to provide an educational, hands on experience while introducing high school students to the customization hobby has generated interest from the industry. Many companies have raised their hands to support the builds through product donations. At the point of launch, Comstock High School has great support from the following companies:
If you are interested in supporting Comstock High School's build, you may fill out this product donation form or contact Katie Hurst.
February 2019
Daryl Hutson, Vice President of JcrOffroad visited the students of Comstock High School in February. The Portage, Michigan-based company that specializes in Jeep products such as bumpers, sliders and armor will be suppling bumpers, sliders and a swinging tire carrier exclusively to the students of Comstock for their SEMA Jeep build.
Daryl, accompanied by SEMA staff spent a few hours with the students in the garage learning about their auto-tech program, where the students hope their automotive education will take them and what they have envisioned for their build. The students were inspired to hear how Daryl started JcrOffroad with his business partner. Thank you for your support, JcrOffroad!
The Comstock Automotive Technology program is a 2.5-year class held at Comstock High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The program consists of three courses and teaches ASE Education Foundation standards to instill skills such as fundamentals of automotive service; maintenance; and repair, including engine repair, fuel systems, electrical, electronics, steering, suspension and braking systems.
The auto shop program is part of an education consortium called Education for Employment (EFE) where they are able to invite students from other local high schools into their program. There are typically 90-100 students from grades 9-12 each year who participate in the auto tech program.
Comstock High School students will be building a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara as part of the 2019 SEMA High School Vehicle Build. The Jeep will be sold at the end of the school year and proceeds will go towards funding another vehicle build for the school.
