Eastern Tech Senior Wins a Ford Explorer

Austin Schappel thought he was completely done with high school.

The senior had just taken his last final ever Wednesday, and was preparing to drive home and eagerly await graduation on June 5.

That depature was delayed slightly, when his name was selected in a schoolwide drawing for a new car.

The at the school was sponsored by Al Packer Ford in White Marsh, which donated a 2005 Ford Explorer for the giveaway. Al Packer is active works with Eastern Tech, which has many of its students in its automotive services technology program intern, and often later work full-time at the dealership.

State Sen. Kathy Klausmeier selected the winning ticket among hundreds of entries. Students earned chances to win the vehicle during the course of the year, based on attendance and how many times they made the honor roll.

"I'm just in shock and can't believe I won," said Schappel, 17, who has been driving a 1988 SS Monte Carlo. "My friend called me after the drawing and I thought it was a joke. This is a great graduation present."

Eastern Tech Principal Tom Evans called Schappell a quality student, who was a member of the school's football and lacrosse teams. Evans added that the annual car drawing is one of the best parts of his job.

"It's a great way to recognize a student that has worked hard all year," Evans said. "We are so thankful to Al Packer Ford for their continued involvement in this event."

Schappell's father, Dana, became emotional when his son called him and told him the news.

The elder Schappell said Austin has always been lucky with drawings, which includes winning a chance to fly in a hot air balloon in first grade, and a football gift package while attending a game in eighth grade.

"This is just a blessing a million times over for him," Dana Schappell said. "What an amazing way to end your high school career."

Austin Schappell, who will attend Towson University in the fall, said the new SUV could not have come at a better time.

Like most graduating seniors, he plans on heading down to Ocean City next month for Senior Week. And now, he has a vehicle with plenty of room to pack his bags and drive his friends around.

"This is just really cool," Schappell said. "Thank you Eastern Tech and Al Packer Ford."