O/N BOCES students shine at Auto Collision Competition

Students in Paul Magyar’s auto body program at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center had a chance to show off their skills at the third annual Western New York Auto Collision Competition. 

The event had high school juniors and seniors being judged on their skills, such as dent repair and color mixing to help restore damaged cars to their former condition. Organized by Richard Greenawalt, it gives students a chance to compete at the national level to hone their skills and show them career opportunities in the industry.   

Evan Harvey in Magyar’s class took first place overall in the junior category and won a $5,000 scholarship at Ohio Technical College and his classmate, Carlton Smith Jr., took third place overall and won a $1,500 scholarship from the same school. 

“I really want to thank Rick Greenawalt and his staff, all the BOCES instructors, the volunteers, Sherwin Williams of Buffalo and our Superintendent Dr. Clark Godshall, for all their support of this worthy cause,” said Magyar. “This has become a yearly event where the students and teachers can show off their skills to all the people of Western New York and go home with prizes, scholarships and cash awards. It is a great experience for all the students.” 

Ohio Technical College representative Laura Pronti, Carlton Smith Jr. (Niagara Falls) and Richard Greenawalt from Auto Collision and Glass. 

Ohio Technical College representative Laura Pronti, Evan Harvey (North Tonawanda) with Richard Greenawalt from Auto Collision and Glass.