Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Two students from Maxwell High School of Technology learned on Tuesday that they're getting a leg up on many of their peers through scholarships from an organization that supports the auto collision repair industry.

William Anderson, a senior at the school, is getting a $9,000 scholarship from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, while fellow senior Angel Cardenas is receiving a $2,000 grant to buy auto service tools for further learning and in his career.

The Atlanta I-CAR committee was at the school Tuesday morning to present both awards to the students.

Gerry Poirier with the committee said money for the inaugural scholarships was raised through various fundraisers like a golf tournament. The scholarships were awarded, Poirier said, based on merit and performance in the classroom and future potential in the industry.

Sam Melaragno, who teaches Anderson and Cardenas, said both students "are hard working and hands-on" in the classroom. In addition, Melaragno said, "both of them are very teachable. They are good listeners, which is very important."

Both young men plan to continue their education at North Georgia Technical College.

"I hope to get my degree and find a good spot in the industry," Anderson said. "Studying here (at Maxwell High School of Technology) has been one of the best opportunities. I don't know of any other school in Gwinnett County that could have taught me so much."

Cardenas said he could "hardly put into words" how excited he was.

The scholarship money paid for "top of the line" tools that will assist him in his post-secondary endeavors and "the endless possibilities that lie ahead."

According to its website, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair is an international, not-for-profit organization that aims to "help the industry achieve a high level of technical training."