News Summary
The Ralston High School automotive club’s car show was cancelled due to rainy weather, marking the first such event for the club during Ralston Days. While the cancellation poses a setback for fundraising efforts to support the automotive program, student interest in trades continues to grow, with membership in the club expanding significantly. The program aims to prepare students for careers in skilled trades, emphasizing the importance of trade education and practical skills. The club is exploring alternative fundraising opportunities and is planning future events, including another car show.
Ralston, Nebraska — Automotive Club Car Show Cancelled Due to Weather, Interest in Trades Continues to Grow
The Ralston High School automotive club’s scheduled car show for Monday was officially canceled because of rainy weather conditions. Despite the cancellation, the event marked an important milestone as the first car show hosted by the club at Ralston Days.
Event Cancellation and Financial Implications
The car show was intended to be one of the final activities during Ralston Days and was expected to serve as a fundraiser for the school’s automotive program. Funds generated from the show, along with a similar event planned for April, are critical for supporting various program expenses, including field trips, projects, and equipment upgrades. However, the rainy weather led to the decision to cancel the event, minimizing potential financial loss.
According to the automotive instructor overseeing the club, while the cancellation was not a major setback, the anticipated funds would have provided valuable support for ongoing and future projects. The program’s organizers are exploring alternative fundraising options to offset the lost opportunity and ensure continued growth of their activities.
Growing Student Interest and Club Development
The automotive club has experienced a notable rise in student participation. It began with only three members but has expanded to over 20 members as the school year progresses. This increase in membership reflects a growing enthusiasm among students for trades and career technical education (CTE). The club’s development highlights the school’s focus on expanding trade learning opportunities for students.
Importance of Trade Education and Career Opportunities
Ralston High School has been emphasizing trades and CTE programs to motivate students to pursue careers in skilled trades. The program offers practical skills that can lead to a variety of professions such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and automotive specialists. Learning automotive skills not only prepares students for immediate employment but also opens pathways to related trades, including electrical work and plumbing.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a positive outlook for careers in trades, projecting long-term growth in fields like HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and automotive technology. These careers are expected to remain in high demand as organizations across different industries prioritize skilled labor.
Insights from Recent Graduates and Future Outlook
Recent graduate Luis Tirado, who is also a co-founder of the automotive club, emphasized the ongoing need for skilled technicians. Tirado highlighted the consistent demand for professionals in automotive and autobody work, observing a gap between student interest and industry needs. Having completed his training in autobody, Tirado now works at a local auto body shop and advocates for expanded technical programs in his alma mater.
He also expressed hope for future initiatives such as welding programs and small autobody courses at Ralston High School. Despite the setback caused by the recent weather, he remains optimistic about the club’s potential to inspire new generations of technicians and tradespeople, especially with continued leadership from instructors like Lucero.
Upcoming Events and Future Plans
The automotive club is planning to host another car show at the end of April. In addition, club organizers are exploring different strategies to fundraise throughout the year, ensuring ongoing support for projects and growth initiatives. Despite weather-related cancellations, the club’s activities and student engagement continue to strengthen, with the broader goal of fostering career readiness through hands-on learning experiences.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Festivals and Events Scheduled for September in Raleigh
NC State Football Opens Season with Win Over East Carolina
High School Football Game Canceled in Birmingham
Chattanooga Declares Local State of Emergency After Record Flooding
Billy Joel Cancels Concerts Due to Health Concerns
Economic Data and Federal Reserve Meeting Shape Real Estate Outlook
Additional Resources
- WOWT: Ralston High School Auto Club Sees More Members
- Wikipedia: Career and Technical Education
- WOWT: Rain Cancels Fundraising Event for Trades Club
- Google Search: automotive trades
- WOWT: Shooting in South Kansas City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trade
- Heafey Heafey: Robert Lee King
- Google News: trades education
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
