WAVERLY – It may be a little louder than a regular classroom and involve some more grease, but the nine students in the Waverly High School fabrication class are getting a hands-on education.
The class, which is led by Larry Tompkins in the Waverly Bus Garage, has students working on several projects this semester – including classics like a 1952 Ford F truck and a 1968 Mustang, along with a 1987 Volkswagen.
“I’m hoping that they pick it up and they enjoy it. I’ve been turning wrenches for almost 50 years and when I retire and don’t do it anymore, who’s going to do it?” Tompkins said. “I want to at least give them enough incentive to want to fix their own (cars).”
The students are currently doing complete system rebuilds – from cutting out rust to converting the Mustang to power breaks.
“I keep them busy. They are enjoying themselves and hopefully they’re not afraid to look at something and attempt to fix it,” Tompkins said.
Waverly sophomore Lucas Mullen enjoys getting out of the traditional classroom setting and into the garage.
“Instead of sitting in a chair all day, (getting to) go out and work on a car is a lot better,” said Mullen, who said he works on dirt bikes and cars at home.
Mullen is looking to take the knowledge he’s getting in this class and use it in the future – possibly as a diesel mechanic.
He said getting a chance to learn from Mr. Tompkins has been a great experience.
“He helps a lot. I learn a lot from him … he’s a really good teacher,” Mullen said.
The Waverly High School fabrication class rebuilt a 1961 MG sports car last school year and made it the perfect parade car for the school district.
The fabrication class is able to operate thanks to community members who loan their vehicles to the program and assume financial responsibility for the restoration of the cars.
The class is available to students in grades 9 through 12 and runs for 85 minutes each day in the district bus garage.
