I have always liked working with cars and figuring out how things work. There's something satisfying about looking at a vehicle that has a problem, figuring out what is wrong, and then being able to fix it. Over time, what started as an interest has turned into something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. I currently attend Wilson tech for automotive technology, where I get to work on vehicles and learn the skills I will need in the future. I like that I'm not just sitting in a classroom listening to someone talk about how something works. I get to actually work on it. Sometimes I make mistakes or don't understand something right away, but that has taught me to ask questions, keep trying, and not get frustrated when something doesn't go as planned. Outside of the BOCES Wilson Tech program, I work at an automotive shop. Having a job in the automotive industry while I'm still in high school has been one of the best experiences I could have. I get to see what the job is really like and learn from people who have been doing it for years. It has taught me that being a good technician isn't just about knowing how to repair a vehicle. You have to be dependable, pay attention to the small things, work safely, and become someone that others can count on. I think one of my biggest strengths is that I am willing to work hard and learn if I don't know how to do something, I don't just give up. I ask questions and try to figure it out. I also take pride in doing a job correctly. Working on cars has taught me that rushing through something can create bigger problems later, so I have to learn to slow down and pay attention to the details. My hard work in school has also been recognized. I've been named Student of the Month, twice, received the Renaissance Award four times, and been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. I'm proud of these accomplishments and even more proud of the skills and experience I am building every day. I have been accepted into the Automotive Technology program at SUNY Delhi for the Fall 2027 school year. I am excited to continue learning and become more confident in my skills. I don't know exactly where my career will take me yet, but I know it will be in the automotive industry. I want to keep learning, gain as much experience as I can, and eventually build a career that I can be proud of. I'm ready to put in the work to make this happen.

I have always been interested in cars and how they work, which is one of the reasons I chose to study Automotive technology. As I have learned more about the automotive industry, I have started to realize how quickly it is changing. Electric vehicles are a big part of that change, and I want to be someone who helps move the industry forward. I attend the Wilson Tech program, studying automotive technology and getting hands-on experience working with vehicles. I also work in an auto body shop after school. Being in a real shop has helped me understand that automotive technology is changing and the technicians need to keep learning new skills. I want to learn as much as I can about electric vehicles so I can be prepared for where the industry is going. I was recently accepted into the Automotive Technology program at SUNY Delhi for the Fall 2027 school year. I'm excited about this opportunity because I know it will allow me to take what I have learned at Wilson Tech and build on it. My goal is not just to know how to work on vehicles that are on the road today, but to understand the vehicles that will be on the road in the future. I've always been someone who likes to work hard and challenge myself. I've been named student of the month, twice, received the Renaissance Award four times, and was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. These accomplishments are important to me because they show the effort I put into my school and my automotive education. I believe accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles is important because I want to help create a better future. EV's have the potential to reduce pollution and change the way we think about transportation. I know there are still things that need to improve, but that is part of what makes this field exciting to me. There is an opportunity for people like me to learn the technology, solve problems, and make electric vehicles better and more practical. I have the ambition and the drive to bring better things to the world through the automotive industry. I don't want to just watch the industry change. I want to be part of that change. By continuing my education and gaining real world experience, I hope I can help make electric vehicles and the automotive industry better for the future.

My love for all things automotive started at a young age. I remember watching my dad change the oil in his car and he let me help move the pan to collect the oil. Ever since then, my dream has been to own my own automotive shop. I started at the Wilson Tech program for Automotive Technology in the beginning of my junior year of high school. I love the program! I get to work in the garage each day, learning new things and figuring out how to fix problems. I'm fortunate to attend the Wilson Tech program in the morning and take my core classes in the afternoon at Smithtown High School West. I’m rarely absent from school because I don't want to miss any time in the garage. I have twice earned student of the month and was inducted into the Technology National Honor Society at the end of my junior year. The summer going into my senior year, I was offered a position as an auto mechanic at a local shop in my town. I was both excited and proud when the shop owner asked me to continue part-time once school started! I have applied to several colleges, my top pick being SUNY Delhi, and plan to major in Automotive Technology. I recently took a tour of the school and loved it! I had the chance to speak to the instructors and take part in one of their classes. The students were all welcoming and it felt like a school that I want to be a part of. I know owning my own shop takes more than just a love for cars. In addition to all my auto tech classes, I plan on taking business courses so that I can one day open a successful automotive shop. I want to gain as much knowledge as I can, so my customers have confidence in my work. I want my business to be a place where customers feel comfortable bringing their car. During the first two years of high school I have had to overcome challenges because of my ADHD. Staying focused, managing my time, and keeping up with school work did not always come easily to me. There were times when I became frustrated with myself and wondered if I would ever reach my goals. Instead of letting these challenges define me, I learned how to work with them. I began developing better study habits, using organizational tools, and asking for help when I needed it. I also learned that I focus best when I am doing something that I am genuinely interested in and can be hands-on. These changes helped me become more responsible, confident, and determined. My interest in automotive technology has given me something to work towards. My automotive training and experience in a repair shop has made me realize that this is the career path I want to pursue. Overcoming the challenges associated with ADHD has taught me that success is not about doing things exactly like everyone else. It's about finding what works for me, staying determined, and continuing to move forward. I'm ready to bring that mindset to college and my future career in automotive technology

My love for all things automotive started at a young age. I remember watching my dad change the oil in his car and he let me help move the pan to collect the oil. Ever since then, my dream has been to own my own automotive shop. I started at the Wilson Tech program for Automotive Technology in the beginning of my junior year of high school. I love the program! I get to work in the garage each day, learning new things and figuring out how to fix problems. I’m rarely absent from school because I don't want to miss any time in the garage. I earned "Student of the Month" in my first month of being in the program. Since September, I have been student of the month twice more. I am most proud of my recent induction into the Automotive Technology National Honor Society. This summer, I applied, interviewed, and was offered a position at Smithtown Car Service. I work 7am-4pm, Monday thru Friday, and on Saturdays I work 7am-12pm. During the day, I perform oil changes, brakes, alignments, pick up parts and customer cars and other car maintenance duties. I work side-by-side learning from my boss and co-workers. The pay isn't what I was hoping for, but I know the experience I'm getting is invaluable! I know owning my own shop takes more than just a love for cars. In addition to all my auto tech classes, I plan on taking business courses so that I can one day open a successful automotive shop. I want to gain as much knowledge as I can, so my customers have confidence in my work. I want my business to be a place where customers feel comfortable bringing their car. I am planning on applying to SUNY Delhi and majoring in their Automotive Technology program. I recently took a tour of the school and loved it! I had the chance to speak to the instructors and take part in one of their classes. The students all welcomed me and it felt like a school that I want to be a part of. I'm applying for this scholarship to make things a little easier on my parents. I have a twin brother will also be going to college and my younger brother graduates high school the year after us. College is important to me and I want to learn as much as I can before I go out into the "real world".

My love for all things automotive started at a young age. I remember watching my dad change the oil in his car and he let me help move the pan to collect the oil. Ever since then, my dream has been to own my own automotive shop. I started at the Wilson Tech program for Automotive Technology in the beginning of my junior year of high school. I love the program! I get to work in the garage each day, learning new things and figuring out how to fix problems. I like taking engines apart and putting them back together. I'm so lucky to attend the Wilson Tech program in the morning and take my core classes in the afternoon at Smithtown High School West. I’m rarely absent from school because I don't want to miss any time in the garage. I earned student of the month in my first month of being in the program. Since September, I have been student of the month twice more. I am most proud of my recent induction into the Automotive Technology National Honor Society. Living with ADHD has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome. Staying focused in class, keeping track of assignments, and managing my time does not come easy to me. Growing up, I always felt frustrated watching classmates, especially my twin brother, complete classwork and homework so easily and quickly. At times, I felt envious, jealous, and even angry. With the help of my parents, and my really funny neurologist, I’ve been able to manage my ADHD. This summer, I applied, interviewed, and was offered a position in an automotive repair shop, Smithtown Car Service. I mostly work on oil changes, brakes, and other beginner tasks. While I don’t get paid that much, I know the experience is what is most valuable. I love working in the shop each day. I am planning on applying to SUNY Delhi and majoring in their Automotive Technology program. I recently took a tour of the school and loved it! I had the chance to speak to the instructors and take part in one of their classes. The students all welcomed me and it felt like a school that I want to be a part of. I know owning my own shop takes more than just a love for cars. In addition to all my auto tech classes, I plan on taking business courses so that I can one day open a successful automotive shop. I want to gain as much knowledge as I can, so my customers have confidence in my work. I want my business to be a place where customers feel comfortable bringing their car.

I believe we all have the responsibility of making the world a better place. One way I like to do this is through community service. I have been very lucky to have been offered many community service opportunities. I've been volunteering for the Special Olympics since I was 6 years old. My parents have always been a part of the Fall Classic so it was natural for myself to join in the fun. When I was young, I handed out sandwiches to the athletes and picked up garbage. As I got older, I became a scorekeeper, referee, and a coach. It's so rewarding to see how excited the athletes get when they do well. The Marty Lyons Foundation is another one of my favorite organizations. One year, we raised funds for a physically limited child who wanted an adapted bicycle. The bicycle was expensive and the family had two other sons. I sold sponsorship forms during my lunch period, collected donations for raffle baskets, and posted updates about the event on social media in an effort to raise funds. The event was hugely successful and covered by major new networks in my area. An on-going community resource and my family and I support is the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry. While my family does its own monthly donations, twice a year I organize my ice hockey teams to deliver a large donation. We stand outside of the local supermarket and ask for donations from community members. The ladies who run the food pantry are always so appreciative of our donation. During the holidays, I support the Smithtown Children's Foundation. The foundation collects toys to be distributed to hospitalize children. In addition to collecting money from local businesses to purchase toys for the foundation, I have asked family, friends, and community members to donate new toys. The amount of support I've received for this event is probably the biggest! People are always so willing to help sick and injured children during the holiday season. The Dr. Dineen Memorial Foundation supports terminally ill children. One year the foundation held an ice skating party for the children and I had the chance to help them learn to skate. I have a part-time job as an on-ice hockey coach so this was really exciting for me. I helped the children lace up their skates, get on the ice, and by the end, some of the children were skating on their own! It was so heart warming to see how much the children enjoyed it! I enjoy volunteering and giving back to people who need help and support. I hope to continue to volunteer during my college years. I have hopes of showing my own children how to give back because I've had wonderful role models who showed me how to do this:)

My love for all things automotive started at a young age. I remember watching my dad change the oil in his car and he let me help move the pan to collect the oil. Ever since then, my dream has been to own my own automotive shop. I started at the Wilson Tech program for Automotive Technology in the beginning of my junior year of high school. I love the program! I get to work in the garage each day, learning new things and figuring out how to fix problems. I like taking the engine apart and putting it back together. I'm so lucky to attend the Wilson Tech program in the morning and take my core classes in the afternoon at Smithtown High School West. I’m rarely absent from school because I don't want to miss any time in the garage. I earned student of the month in my first month of being in the program. Since September, I have been student of the month twice more. I am most proud of my recent induction into the Automotive Technology National Honor Society. I take pride in being careful and thorough in my work and love that our garage looks like a real car shop. I spend my weekends going to car shows and drift events. One of the highlights of my weekends is when I get to be a passenger during once of the drift events. It's such an exciting experience even though it makes my mom really nervous! I also had the opportunity to help one of the drivers work on this car in between races. It was something I will never forget! I have ADHD. I've been able to successfully manage it with a minimal amount of medications. Before I was diagnosed, I struggled with focusing, managing my time, and retaining information. I was constantly being yelled at and spoken to by my teachers. I would get embarrassed and withdraw from class. I thought I was stupid. With help from my doctor, I am a successful student. I realize that my ADHD is a medical condition just like cancer or blindness. I am planning on applying to SUNY Delhi and majoring in their Automotive Technology program. I recently took a tour of the school and loved it! I had the chance to speak to the instructors and take part in one of their classes. The students all welcomed me and it felt like a school that I want to be a part of. I know owning my own shop takes more than just a love for cars. In addition to all my auto tech classes, I plan on taking business courses so that I can one day open a successful automotive shop. I want to gain as much knowledge as I can, so my customers have confidence in my work. I want my business to be a place where customers feel comfortable bringing their car.

My love for all things automotive started at a young age. I remember watching my dad change the oil in his car and he let me help move the pan to collect the oil. Ever since then, my dream has been to own my own automotive shop. I started at the Wilson Tech program for Automotive Technology in the beginning of my junior year of high school. I love the program! I get to work in the garage each day, learning new things and figuring out how to fix problems. I like taking the engine apart and putting it back together. I'm so lucky to attend the Wilson Tech program in the morning and take my core classes in the afternoon at Smithtown High School West. I’m rarely absent from school because I don't want to miss any time in the garage. I earned student of the month in my first month of being in the program. Since September, I have been student of the month twice more. I am most proud of my recent induction into the Automotive Technology National Honor Society. I take pride in being careful and thorough in my work and love that our garage looks like a real car shop. I feel like the skill I bring to the field is my love for learning about cars. I'm passionate about knowing how to take care of them, how to fix them, and how to maintain them. I know that I'm young and still have a lot to learn about the industry, but I crave the information I need to be successful. I am planning on applying to SUNY Delhi and majoring in their Automotive Technology program. I recently took a tour of the school and loved it! I had the chance to speak to the instructors and take part in one of their classes. The students all welcomed me and it felt like a school that I want to be a part of. I know owning my own shop takes more than just a love for cars. In addition to all my auto tech classes, I plan on taking business courses so that I can one day open a successful automotive shop. I want to gain as much knowledge as I can, so my customers have confidence in my work. I want my business to be a place where customers feel comfortable bringing their car.

My love for all things automotive started at a young age. I remember watching my dad change the oil in his car and he let me help move the pan to collect the oil. Ever since then, my career dream has been to own my own automotive shop. I started at the Wilson Tech program for Automotive Technology in the beginning of my junior year of high school. I love the program! I get to work in the garage each day, learning new things and figuring out how to fix problems. I like taking the engine apart and putting it back together. I'm so lucky to attend the Wilson Tech program in the morning and take my core classes in the afternoon at Smithtown High School West. I'm rarely absent from school because I don't want to miss any time working in the garage. I earned "Student of the Month" in my first month of being in the program. Since September, I have been "Student of the Month" two more times. I am most proud of my recent induction into the Automotive Technology National Honor Society. I take pride in being careful and thorough in my work and look to my teachers when I need help or am stuck on a problem. I spend my weekends going to car shows and drift events. One of the highlights of my weekends is when I get to be a passenger during the drift events. It's such an exciting experience even though it makes my mom really nervous! There was also a time that I had the opportunity to help one of the drivers work on this car in between races. I was only tightening a bolt, but I was thankful for the opportunity to help. It was something I will never forget! I am planning on applying to SUNY Delhi and majoring in their Automotive Technology program. I recently took a tour of the school and loved it! I had the chance to speak to the instructors and take part in one of their classes. The students all welcomed me and it felt like a school that I want to be a part of. I know owning my own shop takes more than just a love for cars. In addition to all my auto tech classes, I plan on taking business courses so that I can one day open a successful automotive shop. I want to gain as much knowledge as I can, so my customers have confidence in my work. I want my business to be a place where customers feel comfortable bringing their car.