HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Susan Burton
Communications Director
Paris, TN – When you walk into Stephen England’s Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) classroom and shop room at Henry County High School, you will see groups of students hard at work on anything from wiring a truck, changing an alternator on a staff member’s car, or laboring on a student’s 4-wheeler engine. “We’re a class who is willing to help our students and teachers with their automotive needs,” England says.
England, a 1999 HCHS graduate, was a school bus garage diesel mechanic for 17 years before coming to the high school College, Career, and Technical Education (CTE) program of automotives. His favorite part of teaching is to see a student have an “aha” moment when learning about the industry. “I was in this class too when I was in high school. I know what it’s like to sit in the classroom and then take what I learned to the shop. I love teaching students the things I didn’t know when I first started in the industry.”
Sara Beth Thompson, a tenth grader, is working on some wiring in a truck that is in the shop. She has her phone out for the notes she has taken. When asked if she planned to make automotives her career choice, Thompson stated she planned to join the Air Force and train for Vehicle Management. She believes this class is helping her prepare for her future goals.
Henry County High School offers a variety of programs for high school students, including Automotives, Welding, Cosmetology, Health Science, Agriculture, and more. As high school registration approaches for the next school year, visit with your school counselor to learn more about the academic and CTE pathway opportunities for your student.
Photo: Sara Beth Thompson asks her teacher, Stephen England, for some guidance as they work on a truck in the automotive shop room.