Chapel Hill High School recently received national recognition in a technical magazine for student automotive technicians, earning the 2023 School of the Year title in a competition.
The online magazine Tomorrow’s Technician announced the selection with WIX Filters on February 19, choosing the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district facility as having the best technical training experience in the country for the past year. Chapel Hill High is the 15th winner of the annual program.
“We are honored to award Chapel Hill High School the 2023 School of the Year award,” said Tina Davis, senior marketing manager for WIX Filters, which sponsors the award. “The commitment of the administration, staff and students is inspiring and impressive. Through lesson plans emphasizing the integration of traditional classroom and lab classes to hands-on participation in motorsports activities, Chapel Hill is an exciting example of how to successfully support education.”
Robert Ballard is the automotive instructor for Chapel Hill High School and said he believes the award is a reflection of the entire CTE team and district organization that have supported his program.
“It can boost morale, instill a sense of pride, and contribute to a positive reputation within the industry,” Ballard told Chapelboro. “Additionally, receiving recognition from a national group suggests that our contributions have met or exceeded industry standards, further solidifying our position as a standout professional automotive program in the automotive sector.”
Ballard’s program catches attention not just for his students’ passion in the classroom, but its wide reach. He partners with several local community colleges to bring in speakers and expose their students of different subjects to the automotive program. Higher level students also have the opportunity to work with a local stock car racing team to put together cars for competition, which involves working with community partners and sponsors. The stand-out program also helped Ballard earn Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools’ Teacher of the Year honor in 2023.
With its recognition by WIX Filters and Tomorrow’s Technician, Ballard and Chapel Hill High School will receive a $10,000 donation to the program and WIX Filters gear. Ballard said representatives from the companies will visit campus on April 11 to celebrate and present the award to the program
“Beyond personal and professional validation, such awards can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships within the automotive community,” he added about the example it sets to other districts. “It may also enhance our credibility and trustworthiness among the education community, leading to increased funding and opportunities for growth. Being honored by a national group focused on automotive shops and technician work is not only affirming but also a significant achievement that can have positive implications for [another] school’s program within the automotive industry.”
More details about Chapel Hill High’s automotive program can be found on the district’s website, and by listening to Ballard’s 2022 interview with 97.9 The Hill.
Photo via Moseley Architects.
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