Peachtree – For the last six years, science teacher and hot rod enthusiast John Worden has been working on a plan for students at The Oaks Academy to have a kit car building class.
This year seemed to be the year. With a beautiful new campus at the Cherokee County Schools of Innovation & Technology, just enough room to build a simple car and a renewed sense of optimism, the timing seemed right. As the school worked toward the goal, Valley River Chevrolet caught wind of the idea and, thanks to their sizable donation, The Oaks Academy had the seed money to take it further.
Quickly, students in Worden’s special interest topics class hashed out a plan to host a car show. They decided to call themselves The Oaks Academy T-Bucketeers, and that they would host a show on Oct. 29.
Flyers were made by Cheyenne Griffith and Kaylee Cox, Facebook posts were sent, and Aiden Hines and Canyon Morrow restored and rebuilt 18 vintage trophies
for the event. Trinity Bruce designed the official supporter T-shirt, which the school is selling to aid the project. As the word spread and weather looked to be perfect, staff and students were hoping for a successful Extra CARicular Activity Car & Bike Show.
When cars started to roll in early, Worden knew this was going to be bigger than planned. Students Wyatt Kitchens and Isiah Hall helped by sending the beautiful cars, trucks and bikes down to John’s friend and fellow club member Joe Bott to be parked.
Once the rumble of engines settled, there were nearly 150 cars, trucks and bikes shimmering in the warm autumn sun. Paradise Road Hobby and Peachtree Dragway oversaw the model car and slot car contest.
Students Cheynne and Thomas Griffith, Wyatt Kitchens, Isiah Hall, Zaylan Allen and a few former students at The Oaks handled the majority of the judging. They chose vehicles for awards such as Most Likely to Get Pulled Over, Great Graphics and Radical Rat. Principal Carmen Garland chose David Wilson’s stunning 1954 Chevy pickup for Principals Pick, while Dick Culture from the Blairsville Cruisers won the 50/50 raffle and donated it back to The Oaks Academy.
Show-goers and spectators were amazed and thrilled at the turnout for the school event. Student Wyatt Kitchens said, “I was just thrilled to be able to help park cars and shake the hands of all the trophy winners.”
Thanks to Valley River Chevrolet’s donation and all the people who came out to support the students of The Oaks Academy, Worden’s class has nearly $8,000 to start their T-bucket kit car project.
“It is very humbling. I’m so thankful for the generosity of the car community,” Worden said. “Without them, this program would still be just an idea. This will be a game-changer for our kids. They need this.”
The school is still selling T-shirts for $15 and accepting donations for the program.