Bossier School Donates a Recycled Ride to Local Veteran

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Having a little history with this place myself, I wasn't surprised when we got word from the Bossier Parish School Board that the Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning (BPSTIL) was about donate a completely refurbished vehicle to a local veteran.

My middle son, Craig, is a former student of this institution, and he credits his current occupation as a tractor mechanic, to his formative years attending BPSTIL. Because of them, he was able to get a 100% college scholarship and he uses skills he learned there, on a daily basis today.

Obviously, I'm a little biased about this great place, but when you see what they're doing for one of our local veterans, I'm sure you'll feel much the same.

Of course, it's the season for giving and students in the Automotive Tech and Collision Repair program at BPSTIL are eager to bring holiday cheer to a local veteran as part of Operation: Merry and Bright.

This morning at 9:30, a representative from the VA Medical Center in Shreveport will accept the keys to a shiny red sleigh; or rather a Chevrolet HHR, on behalf of an area veteran who wishes to remain anonymous.

The ceremony will be held in in front of BPSTIL, at 1020 Innovation Drive in Bossier City. The Recycled Rides program is the culmination of BPSTIL partnering with the Wounded Warrior Project, VA Medical Center and numerous industry partners.

This gifting ceremony has been over a year in the making. State Farm donated the totaled vehicle to the Auto Tech program and work began in August 2019 to restore it; then, COVID slammed the brakes on the project when schools were forced to close in March. Former and current students picked up where they left off when school resumed in August 2020 and they have been busy repairing, refinishing and painting. The Chevrolet HHR is now fully restored and looks as good as new.

Just see for yourself in the photos below! THANK YOU BPSTIL and MERRY CHRISTMAS!