Lake Orion High School has received a grant of $30,000 from the Margaret Dunning Foundation to support automotive equipment upgrades.
The grant, submitted by second year LOHS Automotive Instructor Justin Montgomery, is one of the largest grants received by the automotive program in recent history, Lake Orion Community Schools said in a news release on the award.
The grant will provide an opportunity to upgrade and add new equipment to the auto shop.
“We will be upgrading both of our 2-Post Hoists, creating a safer welding space with two walk-in welding booths with fume extraction, among other smaller equipment upgrades to benefit the students,” Montgomery said. “All these items will help the shop resemble what students will see out in the industry and keep them even safer while working in the shop.
“I think that our automotive students deserve the best environment to learn new skills and achieve their goals in. This equipment is going to really help jump start our program and generate more excitement among our auto students” Montgomery said. “My students have so much talent! I cannot wait to see them using this new equipment and continue helping them build a foundation of knowledge that will lead them to success in life and the automotive industry.”
The new equipment and upgrades will be installed over the course of the 2023-24 school year, the school district said.
The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded in 1997, by Dunning, a successful businesswoman, philanthropist and civic booster. Dunning, who died in 2015 at age 104, was also a classic car enthusiast and regular participant in the Woodward Dream Cruise. — J.N.