PCHS Bulletin – Jayden Martinez
Date Published – January 13, 2026
While many high school students are sitting behind desks, a dedicated group of Bulls at Parrish Community High School (PCHS) is busy under the hood of Volkswagens, Audis, and Hybrids. The school's Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair program has shifted into high gear this year, fueled by major community investments and statewide media attention.
The star of a recent ABC 7 news feature, the PCHS automotive shop is no longer just a classroom—it’s a professional-grade pipeline for the next generation of technicians. The program’s rapid success caught the eye of ABC 7, which recently featured the shop in a broadcast highlight. The segment showcased students working alongside their instructors to solve real-world mechanical issues.
“I love vehicles personally. I like working on them,” Sophomore Bryce Santoro said over the din of drills and compressors in the garage. “It’s fun for me, and overall, I like knowing about what vehicles I own and stuff.”
PCHS isn't just teaching a trade; it's solving a national crisis—the "staggering lack of skilled trade workers." By the time students reach their senior year, many are eligible for dual enrollment at Manatee Technical College (MTC), giving them a massive head start on high-paying careers immediately after graduation.
With the support of local giants like Gettel and the eyes of the Suncoast on them via ABC 7, the Parrish Community High automotive students are highlighting that the road to a successful career is paved with hard work, grease, and a lot of Bull pride.