Midland Secondary School

MIDLAND – The auto industry is big business in Simcoe County, whether it’s producing parts, assembling vehicles or selling the latest models at the local dealer.
But how does one get young people revved up about the industry? By creating an event that helps them learn about various vehicles while getting hands-on experience in event management.
That’s the idea behind the inaugural Midland Secondary School Auto Show, set for May 25 and 26 at the Hugel Avenue school. Teacher Terry Beausoleil said the idea developed last year with a group of students in his business class.
“I’m always up for doing something real, something practical,” he said. “I like cars, I like business, and it’s an excellent opportunity for event planning, sales practice, organizational experience and solving problems as they arise.”
Students presented the idea to the vice-principal and approached dealers to bring cars to the school.
“It gives kids exposure to the automotive industry,” said Beausoleil. “They’re happy to see kids involved in the auto sector.”
Five local dealers quickly came on board. Midland Honda, Midland Toyota, Tom Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC, Don Wright Motors and Bourgeois Motors will each bring 10 new vehicles from their 2012-13 lineups.
The show runs from noon to 8 p.m. on May 25 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 26. The cars will be set up to the west of the school, while Friday evening will see a classic car show featuring the Pink Slips car club in the east parking lot off Gervais Street.
Saturday will also feature the “Drive One 4 UR School” test-drive fundraiser.
“For every vehicle driven,” Beausoleil explained, “Ford Canada donates $20 to our school.”
Proceeds will be used for new technology and to continue beautification projects at the school, something else Beausoleil is involved with as head of the horticulture club.
“I want to get kids involved in school that don’t get involved, that are not going out to basketball or student council, and develop clubs that kids can … try.”
Although the idea of an auto originated in a business class, it has become a school-wide undertaking with a club formed to organize and run the event. There will even be student volunteers supervising young children with auto-themed activities like driving battery-operated cars while parents check out the new vehicles.
“We can get them interested in cars for the future, start them early,” Beausoleil said with a laugh.
Organizers are also asking visitors to bring a food donation.
“We’re asking people to bring non-perishable food to fill up their favourite truck,” Beausoleil said, explaining it’s a competition to see which vehicle is filled the most. “The idea is to get the whole community involved in the auto show.”
Turning 16 soon? Those about to get behind the wheel for the first time are invited to try out the DriveWise driving simulator.
“People, especially kids, can try out a car or maybe a transport,” said Beausoleil. “A deer runs out or the weather changes – how will you react, how will you handle it?”
There will also be a barbecue with proceeds going to MSS.
Beausoleil said he would like to see this become an annual event: “I hope that it’s an event showing MSS is able to work within the community, to have a big annual event that people look forward to, that draws them together, that showcases what we have and what we can do.”
For the students, he sees it as a chance to gain practical experience for the future. While they won’t be selling vehicles, student volunteers will learn about them from the dealers so they have some product knowledge to engage visitors.
“They are … working on their presentation skills. We want them to get the ability to organize something, to collaborate, work as a team, follow through and get some practical experience.”
Beausoleil said they are still in the process of getting participation from dealers of after-market automotive parts and accessories or car-care products. Anyone interested in setting up a booth, making a donation or otherwise getting involved can contact Beausoleil at tbeausoleil@mail.scdsb.on.ca or 705-526-7817.
The auto show will run rain or shine and is free to attend: “There’s no admission. A food donation is nice, but not necessary.”