DuPage tech students cover auto show with the pros

Nine current and former automotive students from Technology Center of DuPage in Addison joined professional journalists to cover the Chicago Auto Show this month during the show's media preview day.

The students were invited by Automotive Youth Educational Systems, a partnership among select automotive manufacturers, dealers, and high school auto programs that aims to encourage young people to consider a career in the auto service industry. During the event, students were matched with manufacturers to review new products and provide feedback for a marketing firm.

Three students from the center's multimedia and TV production program captured the day on video, which will be distributed to 375 nationwide affiliates of Automotive Youth Educational Systems.

The students also were interviewed by reporters from broadcast media outlets.

This week, they returned to perform demos highlighting the new Chevy Cobalt's tuner components, like its wheels, chrome exhaust tips and chrome grille.

The seven technology center seniors selected for the Chicago Auto Show event: John Foresta, Matthew Kratz, Zachary Kumkowski, Paul Mihalyov, Ashley Quijano, Long Tran, and Alexander Woltman are second-year automotive students who have qualified for AYES.

Two technology center alumni also participated: Kristina Pszotka and Jacob Nodarse. Both work for area dealerships and are pursuing post-secondary manufacturer's training.

Technology Center of DuPage is the career and technical education campus for DuPage area high school juniors and seniors, offering 21 elective programs. For more information about its programs, visit the Web site at www.tcdupage.org or call (630) 620-8770.

-- Elisabeth Mistretta