High School Show’N Shine a shiny success!

October 15, 2014 · 0 Comments

Inspired by a story his Auto Teacher, Bob Schiedel told the class about a Fergus student who had Cancer and really wanted to have a high school version of a car show, showing Farm Implements, 16 year old grade twelve student Nathan Prince stepped up and organized a Show’N Shine which took place at Centre Dufferin District High School on Oct 10th. Students were able to get out of class for one dollar and all proceeds went to the High School’s breakfast program, apply called The Breakfast Club.
“I really want to show students what the auto program is all about, what it’s like. I thought it would be great to have a high school version of a kind of car show. People really like the idea and I think the turn out is good. Hopefully next year, the turn out will be even better. The auto program is getting better and better every year but without Schiedel, the program would be nothing. He’s the best teacher. I don’t know if I’d even be in school if it wasn’t for Schiedel,” commented Prince.
While the parking lot filled with on lookers, accolades for Schiedel could be heard from student to student who showed and shined showcasing their creations, well loved motorcycles, remodeled, rebuilt, rebuilt again engines clearly displaying their love for the auto industry’s, craft and genius. Impressive is the only way to describe the effort, skill, and ultimate talent Shelburne’s youth exhibited and one couldn’t help notice a Tank driving by to join the display.
Four years in the making and at the cost of an estimated $1,200, student Brad Bennett built a Sherman M4A3E8 Tank that not only works, it will eventually be set up to shoot out potatoes! The engine, a 12hp Briggs and Stratton, the Drivetrain, Hydrostatic, Air compressor, A/C compressor w/oil injection pump, Gun, 2’’ compressed air cannon, Turret, 3/8’ wiggle board framed w/2 by 2’s, Upper Hull, 1/2’ plywood framed w/ 2 by 2’s, Lower Hull 1/2 ‘ plywood with steel frame, and the Tracks, Ash woods crewed to conveyor belting. If anyone needs that clarified or cannot imagine, Brad recommends you visit his youtube videos by searching Brad Bennett’s army tank.
“My dad taught me a lot but I did this myself. It was a lot of work but after all, I took apart and rebuilt an engine when I was seven by myself,” commented Bennett casually, even non nonchalantly, completely unaware of his incredible feat.
When student, Peter Vanderven set eyes on the tank, he was immediately impressed making a comment that summed up the experience and was a shared sentiment, “Wow! This is every kid’s dream!”
An exceptional auto teacher, an inspired student, a forum to showcase the auto program, and money raised towards the high school’s Breakfast Club proves Shelburne youth are moving in the right direction and they are definitely shining!

By Alex Sher

CDDHS Grade 12 student, Nathan Prince organized a very successful Show’N Shine showcasing the school’s auto department where students brought in their works of automotive art to share with fellow students, and raised money for the school’s Breakfast Club.