CREF announces winners of Student of the Year award

The Collision Repair Education Foundation has selected two winners for the “Collision Students of the Year” award. The winning students are currently studying collision repair and were nominated by their collision instructor. Each winner and his/her nominating instructor will receive a trip to SEMA 2016 where the pair will be honored at the Education Foundation’s evening reception on Tuesday, November 1st.

The winners include:

Alan Zimmerman

Sentinel Career and Technology Center (Tiffin, OH)

Nominating Instructor: Carl Rusch

Anna Michalski

Western Area Career and Technology (Canonsburg, PA)

Nominating Instructor: John Warabow

Alan Zimmerman’s achievements include winning the gold medal at the 2016 SkillsUSA National Competition in Louisville. In addition to his schooling, Alan also works part-time in a local collision shop. Alan’s instructor, Carl Rusch wrote in his recommendation, “What makes Alan standout from other students is his personality and attitude. Alan never once complained while preparing for his competitions. He also never missed any practice sessions. He was focused and determined. Alan also took criticism and applied what he was told to each practice session.”

Anna Michalski’s achievements include completing the I-CAR Introduction to Collision Repair series, working on her Non-Structural and Refinishing ProLevel 1 credentials, 6H paint certification, and has accomplished Collision Safety and Pollution Prevention, Mechanical Safety and Pollution Prevention along with Ethics and Job Interview Skills through SP2.  She is also a member of SkillsUSA and serves on the collision program’s Advisory Committee, and works at a local dealership as part of the cooperative education program. Anna’s instructor, John Warabow, wrote in his recommendation, “Anna entered my program as a sophomore and is now a senior. Her ability to communicate with fellow students, staff and faculty has made her well-known and respected. She has become a true leader in the class and her fellow students are encouraged by her positive attitude and the ability to accomplish any given task.”

All industry members are welcome to join the Collision Repair Education Foundation during SEMA 2016 to celebrate these two award winners. They will be honored at the Collision Repair Education Foundation Industry Reception at 9:00pm on Tuesday, November 1st. To RSVP for the event please email [email protected].

Those interested in joining the Collision Repair Education Foundation in supporting local collision school programs, should contact Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at [email protected]/ 847-463-5244.