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Richland Students Win State Auto Repair Championship

5 May 1999

Richland Students Win State Auto Repair Championship, AAA Washington Announces

    BELLEVUE, Wash., May 4 -- A team of two students from
Richland High School (in Richland, Wash.) combined detailed knowledge of
high-tech automotive repair and fast-paced teamwork to win the Washington
state finals of the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills contest.
    Ryan Perrault, 18, and Steven Spencer, 18, now advance to the national
finals, June 21 in Washington, D.C.  The students also earned full
scholarships to the Ford Motor Co.'s ASSET (Automotive Student Service
Educational Training) program.  The team's instructor is Dale Hill. The state
championship was determined by the combination of a written qualifying exam
and the team's performance in a hands-on competition to quickly and accurately
repair a deliberately disabled Ford vehicle.
    "Ryan Perrault and Steven Spencer are outstanding representatives of the
next generation of auto service technicians," said Jennifer Harbison, contest
spokesperson. "They have high-tech skills and understand the importance of
old-fashion hard work and dedication." The contest calls attention to the need
for automotive technicians with the high-tech skills required to service
increasingly advanced automobiles.  Currently, more than 85 percent of the
functions on a new vehicle are computer-controlled and cars are becoming more
complex each year.
    The Washington contest was one of 50 state competitions being held this
month.  The Student Auto Skills contest will award approximately
$49,000 locally and $10 million nationally in scholarships and prizes, and is
held to encourage students to pursue rewarding career opportunities in
automotive service.
    Justin Hunsaker, 18, and Joshua Rosas, 18, from Tritech Skills Center, in
Kennewick, took second-place honors.  Their instructor is Richard Ousse.
Brandon Boyer, 18, and Sean Newman, 18, from North Thurston High School, in
Lacey, placed third.  Their instructor is Brian Stretch.
    AAA Washington provides a full range of products and benefits, including
personal lines insurance, financial, leisure travel, and auto-related services
to more than 615,000 members.  A not-for-profit services organization, AAA
Washington operates 13 offices in central and western Washington.  More
information about AAA Washington can be found on the Internet at
http://www.aaawa.xom.

    1999 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills
    Hands-on Winners
    Washington State

    FIRST PLACE:
    Richland High School - Dale Hill
    Ryan C. Perrault
    Steven R. Spencer

    SECOND PLACE:
    TriTech Skills Center - Richard Ousse
    Justin A. Hunsaker
    Joshua R. Rosas

    THIRD PLACE:
    North Thurston High School - Brian Stretch
    Brandon S. Boyer
    Sean K. Newman

    FOURTH PLACE:
    Clark Co. Skill Center - Jim Neiman
    Derek T. Bain
    Mike T. Moore

    FIFTH PLACE:
    Sedro Woolley High School - Don Bingham
    Matt L. Mumford
    Jenny S. Jenkins

    SIXTH PLACE:
    Battle Ground High School - Kurt Sitton
    Jason J. Isham
    Bruce R. Brock

    SEVENTH PLACE:
    Moses Lake High School - Mark Yosting
    Jared D. Fisher
    Mathew J. Moberg

    EIGHTH PLACE:
    Auburn High School - Fred Donaldson (Instructor)
    Ryan A. Hoaglin
    Joe P. McNeil

    NINTH PLACE:
    Tahoma High School - Chuck Bernardoni
    Cory L. Koch
    Keith A. Hutchinson

    TENTH PLACE:
    Yakima Valley VSC - Larry Brookes
    David J. Yarger
    Loren A. Ott

    CONTACT:  Janet Ray or Jennifer Harbison of AAA Washington, 800-562-2582