High school student awarded top prize for restored tractor
This year’s grand prize winner is Tyler Schimke.
–JB Dewar’s Tractor Restoration Education Program (TREP), a non-profit organization, was honored to announce this year’s TREP winners during the luncheon at the 28th annual Cattlemen and Farmer’s Day. This year’s grand prize winner is Tyler Schimke, grade 12 Paso Robles Highschool, second place winner Shane Brennan, grade 9 Templeton High School, and third place winner Walter Lorz, grade 10 Templeton High School.
These high school students have been working since October in preparation for this competition; by restoring an antique tractor, completing their record book, and giving an oral presentation to a panel of expert judges. Although this program can be challenging, when asked what advice would you give to students entering the program, grand prize winner Tyler Schinke said “stick with it, sometimes you want to quit halfway through the project but the reward is worth it. Whether you are first place or last it is a great experience.”
TREP was founded by Ken Dewar, president of JB Dewar, Inc. in 2001 and is now coordinated by Rachel Dewar. Dewar started this program to give students a chance to work with their hands and offer them a different agricultural experience. Rachel Dewar, TREP coordinator said, “It is really cool to see the kids grow throughout this process there is really no other program like ours. The kids gain perseverance when seeing their project all the way through, after the tractor is painted and beautiful the look on their faces is so rewarding.” Rachel has been the program coordinator for two years and loves to see what the kids get out of it.
JB Dewar TREP encourages their students who are looking to further their education to compete at the Chevron Delo Tractor Restoration Competition, held at the National FFA Convention. More information can be found at delotractorrestorationcompetition.com.
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