The sound of tools and the scent of motor oil filled the air as teams of students worked under pressure, racing against the clock to diagnose and repair automotive issues. Among them were Kain Elmore and Gaige Pennington from the Hollenstein Career & Technology Center (HCTC), proving their skills on one of the biggest high school automotive stages in the region. 

Competing against nearly 50 of the top high school teams from across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas in the Top Tech Challenge, Elmore, a junior from Chisholm Trail High School and Pennington, a senior from Saginaw High School, put their automotive knowledge to the test at the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) campus in Irving. 

When the clock stopped, the pair was on top, taking home first place in the Team Division, solidifying their reputation as two of the best young automotive technicians in the region. Additionally, Elmore took the top spot in the Individual Division.

"This competition is an incredible way for students to test their skills against some of the best in the field, and Kain and Gaige did an outstanding job representing our program and our district," Ernie Cruz, HCTC automotive technology teacher, said. "They put in the time, the effort, and the passion, and it showed."

The annual Top Tech Challenge pushes students by assessing both their theoretical knowledge and hands-on ability. Competitors take Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams and tackle hands-on challenges in brakes, engine performance, climate control, electrical systems and parts identification.

At the award ceremony, pride showed across the faces of Elmore, Pennington and Cruz as they were presented with a $10,000 scholarship, tools and, for the HCTC campus, a large tool kit on wheels.

Elmore and Pennington's victories highlight the strength of EMS ISD’s Automotive Technology program and Career and Technical Education (CTE) in general, preparing students for careers through personalized hands-on experience, world class instruction, professional certifications like ASE and dual college credit.

We are #EMSproud of Kain Elmore and Gaige Pennington for continuing the tradition of excellence in the HCTC Automotive Technology program.