Virgilio Tavares (Assistant Department Chair of Transportation), Stephen Thomas, Michael Simonelli, Richard Picard (Automotive Teacher at Chariho Career and Tech), Steve Reynolds (Snap-On Representative)
The annual Ocean State Automotive Contest, hosted by New England Institute of Technology Automotives Assistant Department Chair, Virgilio Tavares, and in cooperation with RI Automobile Dealers Association, was held last month, and we are pleased to congratulate the winning team of Stephen Thomas and Michael Simonelli on their fine performance!
The competition consisted of a variety of workstations at which the students were asked to complete certain tasks, or troubleshoot technical “bugs” that were put into the vehicles. The workstations include braking systems, steering and suspension systems, electrical and electronics systems, heating and air conditioning, engine repair, parts identification, and engine performance.
Each team – made up of two high schools seniors from Rhode Island high schools and career and tech centers – had 15 minutes to complete each station.
The winning team received prizes ranging from a set of tools provided by Snap-Op Tools to scholarships from New England Institute of Technology. The first place winners were  awarded a one year tuition scholarship, second place winners were awarded $1,500 tuition scholarship, and the third place winners were awarded $1,000 tuition scholarship.
The winning team will represent RI at the National Automotive Dealers Competition in New York on April 1st – 3rd.