West Seattle HS senior roars into statewide automotive competition

Congratulations to West Seattle High School senior Phi Hoang (center), who is off to a state competition after taking second place in the Auto Service/Advanced competition of the Skills USA Regional competition in Everett last weekend. Two other Automotive Technology students from WSHS, senior Jonathan Delgado Quintana and sophomore Michael Sullivan, both finished in the top 10 in their competition categories, according to automotive instructor Pete McCue. He’s at right in the photo and new this year at WSHS after previous work including 8 years at Garfield HS and 6 in Port Angeles; at left, is Shorecrest High School’s Peter Smith, who set up this year’s regional competition. Congratulations to all and good luck to Phi, who will be vying in the state competition for a $34,000 scholarship to Universal Technical Institute and a spot in the national finals this summer.

Robert February 16, 2011 (4:19 pm)

What happened to Mr Knapp? I graduated in 06 and he was my shop teacher all through high school. Guess people move on. His next door neighbor at school was Mr. Smith, the woodshop teacher, who I also took several classes from. I guess he retired a few years back or something.

Genesee Hill February 16, 2011 (5:08 pm)

Congratulations, Mr. Hoang!

Great car techs are always in demand. I wish you success in the upcoming competition!

WSHS Teacher February 16, 2011 (5:13 pm)

Yes, Robert – Mr. Smith did retire a couple of years ago, as have other teachers. Mr. Knapp has stepped up and is working at Seattle Education Association.

Alex February 16, 2011 (5:33 pm)

Pete! The best auto shop teacher ever! I had him at GHS from 1997-2001. I wish I still had access to a free autoshop, those kids don’t know how lucky they are!