Menu
TOP STORY OF THE DAY: Northview Automotive Takes First at Skills Challenge
Once again, Northview Automotive Tech Instructor Tony Migliorini’s students have come out on top at Ivy Tech Automotive Skills Challenge. The contest took a hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the past years.
However, Northview Senior Gage Youngblood, 18, of Brazil, and Junior Brynlee Smith, 17, of Brazil, were winners in their respective divisions.
“I am so very proud of both of these kids. They both have worked hard and are fun to work with in the class,” said Migliorini. “They both are eager to help in the shop, not only repairing vehicles but helping their peers when needed. They both set a great example in their automotive classes at NHS.”
Brynlee Smith, who admits to being a little nervous, placed Third in the Junior Division. Smith has been in the Automotive Engineering class and now the Automotive I class at Northview.
Smith is taking a class at Ivy Tech this summer that will put her on pace to graduate with a Certificate in Maintenance and Light Repair from Ivy Tech next year.
Smith said it’s a unique experience being a woman in a man’s world.
“They kind of look at me weird at first, but then they realize I know my stuff,” said Smith, who wants to go to school to learn how to work on semis. “I don’t know where I am going, but it interests me.”
Smith owns two vehicles, a 2000 Ford Ranger and a 1999 Jeep Wrangler, but she dreams of owning a 1968 Corvette someday.
Gage Youngblood won the Senior Division and received a big toolbox full of tools and a $1,000 scholarship to Ivy Tech. Youngblood has been in the Auto program for two years, earning enough Dual Credit at Northview and at Ivy Tech, which allows him to graduate with a Certificate in Maintenance and Light Repair at the Ivy Tech Commencement Ceremony in a few weeks.
“(The competition) was pretty easy,” said Youngblood, who believes the hands-on classwork made the test easy. “I plan on going to Caterpiller and being a diesel mechanic after I graduate.”
Youngblood said the study would help him acquire his dream job, owning land to become a farmer.
Youngblood says his vehicle of choice is s second-generation Cummins, a 1994-2002 Dodge truck.
“It’s still a work in progress right now,” Youngblood said.
They both are also interested in small engine work.
Smith says she will be back next year to compete, and she will be more confident the second time around.
“I didn’t think I would do so good,” said Smith. “I was worried about my answers, but it turns out I didn’t do so bad.”