Two generous community members outbid the competition at the Extreme Auto Shop Smackdown truck auction held Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Junction City. Guaranty Chevrolet donated two trucks that were reconditioned by the Springfield High School Advanced Automotive students under the leadership of Head Auto Shop Instructor Mark Simmons. Auctioneeer Tony Sheppeard provided the bid calling.
Bidders enjoyed refreshments during the auction preview of the 2000 Dodge Dakota and 2003 Chevrolet S-10 pickups. Guests had a chance to talk with Simmons, Guaranty President Shannon Nill, Assistant Shop Instructor Sam McElwain, Guaranty Auto Service Manager Paul Forte and SHS Principal Jose da Silva. Local weatherman, Al Peterson, who spearheaded the program to keep vocational education alive in the schools, was also on hand. He was one of the winning bidders as was Tony Armas, a Springfield High School grad. The Dodge went for $2,700 and the Chevy grabbed $3,600 but da Silva said, “the recognition for the program was worth twice that.”
Two companies, Auto Art in Cottage Grove and Faithful Customs in Springfield, provided painting services and deserve a great deal of recognition.
