MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 24, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO), the nation's leading retailer and distributor of auto parts, today announced the second annual "AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship" winners. The $10,000 automotive industry-focused scholarship was divided among the gold, silver and bronze medal winners of the SkillsUSA National Championship, Automotive Service Technology competition recently held in Kansas City, MO.
"The AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship was created to provide an incentive to high school students seeking post-secondary education, help build automotive career awareness and infuse highly-qualified professionals into the workforce," said Bill Rhodes, Chairman, President and CEO of AutoZone. "One of the most effective ways to achieve those goals is to support and cultivate educational opportunities for future automotive professionals. This scholarship gives us the opportunity to make a profound and positive impact on the future of the automotive industry."
Competitors in the Automotive Service Technology contest were given the chance to showcase their skills. Testing was based on tasks outlined by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Thirteen workstations tested the students' mechanical and diagnostic knowledge of all the major systems found in today's automobiles. Testing was accomplished with an array of vehicles, computers, simulator boards and component bench testing. Contestants also had to take a comprehensive written exam.
AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship Winners
* Gold Medal - Daniel Lehmkuhl of San Luis Obispo High School in San Luis Obispo, CA * Silver Medal - Dan Martin of Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, KS * Bronze Medal - Steve Ray of the Center For Technology in Essex Junction, VT
"We are very pleased to join with AutoZone in creating this scholarship program," said Eric Gearhart, SkillsUSA's director of Business and Industry Partnerships. "As an Official Sponsor, AutoZone continues to demonstrate that corporate citizenship is alive and thriving. We need to revitalize technical education in this country and AutoZone is stepping up to the challenge."
About AutoZone
As of May 5, 2007, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 3,881 AutoZone stores in the United States and 110 AutoZone stores in Mexico, and also sells the ALLDATA brand automotive diagnostic and repair software. On the web, AutoZone sells diagnostic and repair information and auto and light truck parts through www.autozone.com.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national organization serving more than 264,000 high school and college students and professional members in trade, technical and skilled service occupational training programs. SkillsUSA enjoys the active support of nearly 1,000 corporations, trade associations and labor organizations at the national level, with thousands more active at the state and local levels of SkillsUSA. The SkillsUSA National Championships included over 4,500 contestants in 77 separate events with 1,500 judges and contest organizers.
Student membership offers leadership, citizenship and employability skills development to complement hands-on technical skills training. SkillsUSA emphasizes respect for the dignity of work and high standards in trade ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety. For more information on SkillsUSA, visit http://www.skillsusa.org.