Ty Rockney of Chesapeake, Virginia, has been named the 2024 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student. The honor includes a $2,500 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the 2024 North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference. As part of the scholarship program, administered through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, Mitchell 1 annually honors a U.S. or Canadian student for their outstanding achievement in automotive technology and auto shop repair scholastics.

“We are proud to recognize Ty Rockney as the 2024 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student for his dedication to pursuing a career in the auto care industry,” said Nick DiVerde, senior director, product management for Mitchell 1. “We have full confidence that he will accomplish his goals and thrive in his career path.”

Rockney is currently enrolled in the automotive technology program at the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After his graduation in January 2026, he plans to work as an automotive service technician and aspires to become an instructor or own a repair shop.

Rockney discovered his passion for automotive repair after receiving a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 for Christmas in 2020. His father helped him at first, but Rockney soon took the initiative to research, purchase parts and work on the truck himself. His great uncle, a technician since the 1970s, also inspired his career choice.

The award was presented during the NACAT awards luncheon on July 24 in Indianapolis, Indiana.