Springfield High School Senior Receives $3,000 Scholarship to Launch Career in Diesel Technology

Springfield High School senior Ethan Swan Snider was honored on June 1 in the SHS Auto Shop with a $3,000 scholarship to help cover tooling and other expenses as he begins his journey into the skilled trades. This fall, Ethan will attend WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming, where he will complete a nine-month Diesel Technology training program.

Ethan was selected by the Springfield High School CTE Industrial Technology Scholarship Committee in recognition of his dedication, academic achievement, and commitment to the automotive and diesel industries. His journey in Career and Technical Education began as a freshman in the Small Gas Engines course, where he quickly demonstrated both talent and determination. Over the next four years, Ethan excelled at every level of the automotive program.

At graduation, Ethan earned Automotive Pathway Honors by completing more than three credits in the Automotive and Diesel Pathway while maintaining a 3.5 GPA.

Beyond the classroom, Ethan balanced his academic and athletic commitments with employment at the local Les Schwab Tire Center. Using the skills he developed in Springfield High School's automotive program and the recommendation of his instructor, Ethan secured employment with Les Schwab during his junior year and has continued to work there while completing high school.

Ethan's scholarship package includes a $1,500 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Scholarship established by automotive instructor Mark Simmons, who was recognized nationally as a recipient of the 2022 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize and its accompanying $50,000 award. He also received a matching $1,500 Burrito Amigos/Sandra Perry Tool Scholarship through the Springfield Education Foundation.

Ethan's training at WyoTech is being sponsored by Waste Connections, the parent company of Springfield's Sanipac trash and recycling service. Through the company's tuition assistance program, eligible dependents receive full tuition and housing support while completing the Diesel Technology program. In return, participants commit to working for Waste Connections upon graduation.

Following the completion of his training, Ethan plans to return to Springfield and begin his career with Sanipac, bringing his skills and expertise back to the community that helped launch his success.

Simmons hopes Ethan's story is just the beginning. By dedicating a portion of his Harbor Freight Tools for Schools prize money as seed funding, Simmons is working to establish a permanent endowment for future Springfield High School Career and Technical Education students pursuing careers in industrial technology and the skilled trades.

The endowment would provide financial assistance for tools, equipment, work clothing, and other industry-specific expenses that trade-bound students often face but that are not typically encountered by traditional college-bound students.

"Our current grant and scholarship systems at the high school level are not designed to adequately support students pursuing trade schools, apprenticeships, and career-focused training programs," Simmons said.

Ethan's accomplishments exemplify the power of Career and Technical Education to open doors, create opportunities, and prepare students for meaningful, high-demand careers. Springfield High School is proud to celebrate Ethan's success and looks forward to seeing the impact he will make in the skilled trades industry.

Congratulations, Ethan, and best wishes as you begin this exciting next chapter!