MHS junior, McKenzie Navarette, was recently featured in the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center spotlight newsletter.
One of 33 students enrolled in the Automotive Collision Technology program, McKenzie is building the foundation for her future as an auto body repair technician. Under the guidance of instructor Dylan Bastian, she’s learning hands-on skills like repairing and restoring vehicles, mixing paint colors and detailing finishes.
Over the course of two years, students in the program dive deep into the science and art of collision repair, customizing cars and trucks, learning safety protocols and calculating finishing costs.
For McKenzie, each task in the shop is more than just a lesson—it’s a step closer to a career she’s excited about. Whether she’s sanding a panel or painting a fender, she’s driving toward her future, one repair at a time.
“I enjoy being here and working and making a difference,” she said. “Sitting in a classroom is not for me.”
For more information on the program, visit https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/auto-body-collision-repair/