When Brandon Riebel arrived at Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center last month, he wasn’t sure what to expect. What he found left him speechless.
Sitting outside was his Ford F-350 dually — now sporting a sleek, stunning black paint job — thanks to the hard work and heart of our Auto Collision Repair students.
But this wasn’t just any truck. This F-350 belonged to Brandon’s late father, a legacy on wheels that Brandon took over as a teenager. It traveled with him through life’s journeys, even making its way across the country while Brandon served in the Navy. Somewhere in Nevada, the truck broke down — and for a time, it seemed like its traveling days were over.
While Brandon was deployed, his grandparents, Jerry and Linda Riebel, quietly set a plan into motion. They had the truck brought home, dreaming of the day it could ride again. They reached out to our Auto Collision Repair program, hoping to give Brandon a gift worthy of the memories the truck carried.
Our students eagerly accepted the challenge. Over time, they brought new life to the tired body of the truck, sanding away the years and restoring its spirit with a fresh coat of black paint. A transformation from the weathered vehicle that once barely held onto its color.
The truck isn’t fully road-ready yet, and Brandon has his share of work ahead, but this head start means more than words can express.
In a gesture of thanks, Brandon presented each student with a challenge coin and a patch representing his Navy unit, a symbol of appreciation and connection.
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