St. Helens High automotive shop students donate car to help save ...

HILLSBORO -- After word reached St. Helens High School's auto shop students that their fellow mechanics at Hillsboro High were in danger of losing their own class, they did what any tool-wielding students would do.

They donated a car.

The St. Helens students were planning to sell the 1986 Oldsmobile Delta 88 to raise funds for their own program, but they decided Hillsboro needed it more.

"They understand what a wonderful opportunity they have here," said Mike Herdrich, St. Helens High automotive technology teacher.

Budget cuts this school year forced Hillsboro to slice half of a teaching position in the Hillsboro High School technology department.

Based on seniority, automotive teacher Glenn Campbell would have been moved to a full-time job elsewhere in the district, ending the automotive program.

Fellow teacher Don Domes saw it as yet another hit to technology and vowed to raise enough money to save Campbell's job and the last automotive shop program in the district.

The Hillsboro program is one of about 40 remaining in the state. Forest Grove is among the latest to shutter its program.

Domes, 58, who teaches robotics, electronics, architecture and drafting design, needs to raise half of Campbell's salary to keep the 16-year instructor in place -- $46,000, including benefits.

"This is great to see kids pulling together," Domes said, adding that high schoolers typically compete with each other instead of collaborate.

Students in the advanced mechanics program at St. Helens High operate Mike's Automotive, complete with customers. Local mechanics refer customers to the high school because the kids charge less. The students have brought in $20,000 during the last 10 years to help buy tools and other equipment, Herdrich said.

They understand the love and satisfaction of repairing cars.

"We believe it's a good idea to support the other auto programs," said Keagan Mays, 18. "It's something other schools are losing. This is not something you can outsource."

Four seniors who spoke about the donation said they plan to go into mechanics or a related field, such as avionics and electronics. They want Hillsboro's students to have the same career options.

"When a program closes down, it takes away a huge opportunity for those students," said William Holder, 18. "We're doing so well, we feel we can help other programs."

As for the 1986 Oldsmobile, it is silver with gray plush interior and has about 130,000 miles on it. The car was donated to the program several years ago by a teacher. Its estimated worth is between $800 and $1,500.

"It's a really good car," Herdrich said. "It's really clean and nice. The interior is gorgeous."

There is no timeline, yet, on the car's arrival in Hillsboro.

"It's a very generous offer," said Campbell, who will handle the auction. "It speaks well of what Mike has done out there for his program."

As of Feb. 8, individuals and businesses had donated $9,600 to save the Hillsboro program. Domes said he has heard from people as far away as Texas.

Always optimistic, Domes said he has a line on a technology grant and met with independent car dealers last week to seek their help -- only $36,400 to go.

He has until March to raise the funds; though, the district may be flexible on the deadline.

Anyone who is interested in helping Domes, can send a donation to the Hillsboro School District Industrial Engineering Program; Attn: Jolene Sauve; 3083 N.E. 49th Place; Hillsboro, OR 97124.

-- Wendy Owen

Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2012/02/st_helens_high_automotive_shop.html

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