WIX Filters Names 2020 School of the Year

WIX Filters, in conjunction with Tomorrow’s Technician, named CTEC Automotive of North Kansas City Schools the 2020 School of the Year.

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the school is the 13th recipient of the annual program, naming it the best technical training school in the country. WIX Filters and O’Reilly Auto Parts are sponsors of the national award in conjunction with Tomorrow’s Technician, a Babcox Media publication dedicated to automotive students.

“We are honored to award CTEC Automotive the 2020 School of the Year award. The initiative they have shown during an unprecedented year by continuing to learn and grow their knowledge, even creating a student-driven YouTube Lab is inspiring and impressive,” said Jeff Blocher, director of sales and marketing for WIX Filters. “These students have made the most of our new normal, and we are proud to celebrate tomorrow’s technicians and future leaders in our industry. Mr. Stow made it clear that he will not let the world we are living in today keep him or his students from achieving excellence.”

The winning school receives:

$10,000 WIX Filters donation to the school’s program
WIX Filters gear
In-person announcement/celebration visit by Tomorrow’s Tech staff and program sponsors
Appearance by the WIX marketing unit

“I am so proud of my students, and the great support by our school district has allowed me to make positive headway in this crazy time,” said Jack Stow, CTEC automotive instructor. “We are adapting, changing, continually modifying, pushing and trying. I tell my students to always pay attention to the details, because they are important. And today feels pretty darn good.”

The School of the Year program is open to all high schools and post-secondary schools with a subscription to Tomorrow’s Technician magazine. The past year provided confusion and hardship for many with the onslaught of COVID-19, but yet, 21 schools still submitted applications highlighting their programs. Students showed perseverance and dedication, creating and submitting most of the video presentations themselves. Judges selected four finalists from the video entries, one from each region— West, Mountain, Central and Southern.

“CTEC Automotive had an incredibly strong submission, and the initiative the students took to continue their learning despite roadblocks from a global pandemic deserves recognition,” said Jim Merle, publisher of Tomorrow’s Technician. “CTEC Automotive is an inspiring program, and we encourage all to look to the example they have set.”

The year’s three runners-up are:

Warriors Garage, Fallbrook Union High School— Fallbrook, CA
Bonneville High School— Washington Terrace, UT
The Rebel Garage, George County High School— Lucedale, MS

Each runner-up will receive a $500 gift card from O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Discount Tire & Service Centers has a new sponsorship deal with the Los Angeles Angels for the 2024 season. Discount Tire said this partnership will not only benefit its customers with season-long promotions and giveaways but will also support local non-profits.

"We're thrilled to launch this strategic partnership with the Los Angeles Angels," said Sergio Andonian, president, Discount Tire & Service Centers. "As neighbors, from Anaheim, we are dedicated to serving our local communities and providing quality tire & automotive service at the most competitive prices. Together, we look forward to making a positive and lasting impact in the communities. Add baseball to the mix, and with this winning combination, the possibilities are endless."