Chesco Tech College High School Holds Car Show Again At Pickering Campus

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The 8th Annual Car and Craft Show emerged from COVID-19's shutdown to appear again on the Technical College High School (TCHS) Pickering Campus.

Beautiful and unique classic, antique, and custom cars were lined up for display on Oct. 2. The event also offered a craft fair, vendors, food, music, and raffle baskets, with all event proceeds directly benefitting career and technical education programs that are part of the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

Besides bringing awareness to Technical College High School programs and raising money for students who will either pursue postsecondary education or employment after graduation, the Car and Craft Show was just plain fun. Current students, past students, TCHS staff, and the community gathered safely outside, enjoyed the beautiful weather and celebrated TCHS Pickering.

"Being able to come back together after being isolated due to COVID and celebrate the amazing things our students do here at TCHS Pickering has been an overwhelmingly joyous occasion," said TCHS Pickering Campus Principal Erin Petters.

"I've also really enjoyed seeing everyone come out and support this event and our school. One of my favorite things about the Car Show is seeing our students light up when they see the amazing cars and vendors, and of course, I love tasting the delicious food made by our culinary students," she added.

The Chester County Technical College High School is a part-time, public high school of choice specializing in career and technical education for students in grades 9-12. As part of Chester County Intermediate Unit, it is one of three technical college high schools in the County. Beside the Pickering campus, there is the Pennock's Bridge campus the serves districts in southern Chesco and TCHS Brandywine that serves students from Coatesville Area, Downingtown Area, Twin Valley, West Chester Area School Districts and Bishop Shanahan High School.

Students who attend one of three campuses receive a high school diploma from their sending school while being able to participate in all sports, clubs, and activities offered by their home school, the TCHS webpage explains.

"TCHS' student-centered approach allows the creation of an educational experience as unique as each of its students. All of the career and technical programs offered at TCHS are aligned to the Pennsylvania State Standards, focused on national industry certifications, and are tuition-free for students," according to TCHS.

Noah Byrne, TCHS Criminal Justice program student, echoed Petters' excitement about the Car and Craft Show. "I’ve really enjoyed volunteering today and helping out by directing traffic and parking the cars. I also had fun playing games in the video game truck," said Byrne.

In addition to current TCHS students attending the event, former students also joined to support the school. Luke Reese, a 2019 TCHS graduate, said he came to the Car Show to see the cars and to vote. He said, "It's been nice seeing my old teachers. It's a beautiful day and I’m here to support TCHS."

This year's Best in Show first place winner was a 1929 Ford Model T, owned by Tony Yerger. The second-place winner was a 1977 Ford Bronco, owned by John Chintalan, and a 2013 BMW 335i, owned by former TCHS student Justin Rambo, came in third.

John Chintalan, the parent of a current TCHS Engine Technology program student, came in second and said he enjoyed seeing the other cars on display. "The weather (was) perfect, and my wife and I have enjoyed visiting the great variety of vendors that are here," said Chintalan, who also won a trophy for his Ford Mustang at the Car Show held at TCHS Pickering a few years ago.

The Chester County Intermediate Unit is an educational service agency that exists to provide quality, cost-effective services to the community and its residents. The Chester County Intermediate Unit administers instructional, enrichment, and administrative programs and services to Chester County’s 12 public school districts and to over 45 private and parochial schools in the county.

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