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Schools

Eastern Tech Student Wins New Car

Sophomore Megan Trionfo won the vehicle from Al Packer Ford as part of the school's 20th annual car giveaway.

Eastern Tech sophomore Megan Trionfo doesn't have her driver's license.

The Chase resident doesn't even have her learner's permit. But thanks to Al Packer White Marsh Ford, she has a new car.

As a part of the Essex school's 20th annual Car Giveaway, Al Packer White donates a brand-new car every year to be given to a student. The students are given multiple chances based on honor roll status and perfect attendance, then all the names are put into a box and a winner is drawn.

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“I won a car! I won a car,” Trionfo exclaimed as she called her parents to tell them the good news.

The drawing was held at the school's Eastern Inn in front of a group of seniors who have achieved honor roll status as well as perfect attendance so far this year. The seniors were also treated to a buffet lunch. State Sen. Kathy Klausmeier drew Trionfo's name from the box of hundreds of names.

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“I look forward to this event every year,” Klausmeier said. “When I'm in Annapolis ... I hear about all the awful things that some kids your age are doing. But I come here and hear straight A's and perfect attendance. I applaud each and every one of you. Pat yourselves on your back.”

Trionfo, who studies in the school's Law Related Careers program, works at the Chik-fil-A in Middle River, and hopes to become a forensic scientist.

Al Packer employs several students and graduates from Eastern Tech's Automotive Service Technology program, including current student Zach Egner, who works for the dealership in its Pulaski Highway location.

“I use the skills we learn in school at work every day,” Enger said.

Eldridge Watts runs the school's Automotive Service Technology program, an instructional program that introduces students to various occupations found within the automotive field. Concentrating on technological principles and repair procedures, students learn the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to be successful in today’s workforce.

Use of computerized simulators, shop demonstrations, diagnostic testing and hands-on activities performed on a vehicle is stressed in all grade levels.

Bill Crumley, Don Huebel and Gerry Clark, from Al Packer, were on hand to witness the drawing.

“My son went to this fine school and his name has been in this box four times,” said Crumley to the seniors. “And he never won, so this isn't fixed. We donate a car to pay the school back for giving us so many fine employees and interns."

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