The Gettel Automotive Group in Gainesville donated $25,000 to the Academy of Automotive Technology at the Professional Academies Magnet at Loften High School on Tuesday. 

“I think this contribution, partnership that we have, not just in the form of a check, the monetary, but also allowing them… the career opportunities that they have, makes a bigger difference than any of us know, in their life and in their future, and it could change their trajectory,” Loften principal Kristopher Bracewell said in a speech. 

Gettel, which includes Gatorland Toyota and BMW of Gainesville, also donated $25,000 to the program last year, but automotive technology instructor and director Ray Fayo said he did not expect the donation to be repeated this year. 

Last year’s donation allowed the program to build a shed for equipment that is not used on a daily basis, according to Fayo. This year’s “great surprise” will help purchase more training equipment. 

Though he worked in automotive technology for 21 years before becoming a teacher, Fayo now meets with an advisory board twice a year to learn about what the industry is looking for now. The Gettel dealerships are also part of that partnership. 

“[My favorite part of the program is] interacting with kids, trying to get them interested in something—a career, not just a job,” Fayo said in an interview. 

Last year, Loften’s automotive technology students earned 72 industry certifications. 

Fayo said he also helps the students learn soft skills like showing up on time, staying off their phones and working with customers. 

“The first thing they all say in the industry is, I want people to be present,” Fayo said.