CHICAGO and AKRON, Ohio — Chicago Pneumatic has donated 119 cordless impact wrenches, worth an estimated $20,000, to 17 schools across the United States in recognition of their outstanding technician training programs.
      
The schools were recognized among the top 21 schools in the country during the 2008/09 TT School of the Year contest by Tomorrow’s Technician magazine and Chicago Pneumatic. Four additional schools were named as finalists in the annual competition and will receive a share of a total prize package of Chicago Pneumatic tools worth $25,000. The winning school will be announced on May 7.
      
“As a tribute to their achievements and a thank you for participating in the TT School of the Year program, we are excited to provide these 17 schools with new tools that will enhance their students’ learning experiences,” said Jay Lewis, general manager, Americas, Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, LLC. “These cordless impact wrenches will provide the power and durability to serve the schools and students well for many years.”
      
Selected from more than 170 applications nominating more than 80 schools, the top 21 schools represent vocational schools, high schools, community colleges and universities with distinctive programs and specialized training opportunities that provide students with the defining skills they need to succeed in the workforce following graduation.
      
The 17 schools receiving Chicago Pneumatic cordless impact wrenches are:

Southwest
Arapohoe Community College, Littleton, Colo.;
College of Eastern Utah, Price, Utah;
Ramona High School, Ramona, Calif.;
Butler Community College, El Dorado, Kan.;

Southeast
Gwinnett Technical College, Lawrenceville, Ga.;
Chipola College, Marianna, Fla.;
Muscle Shoals Center for Technology, Muscle Shoals, Ala.;
Haney Technical Center and High School, Panama City, Fla.;

Northwest
Renton Technical College, Renton, Wash.;
Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technology Center, Milwaukie, Ore.;
Western Wyoming Community College, Rock Springs, Wyo.;
Estacada High School, Estacada, Ore.;

Northeast
North Montco Technical Career Center, Landsdale, Pa.;
Southern Illinois University (Automotive Technology), Carbondale, Ill.;
Automotive Training Center, Exton, Pa.;
Ranken Technical College, St. Louis, Mo.; and
Old Bridge High School, Matawan, N.J.
      
The 2008/09 School of the Year will be chosen from among four finalists: Ohio Technical College, Cleveland; Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, S.C.; Shoreline Community College, Seattle; and Smoky Hill High School, Aurora, Colo.

The winning school will receive $10,000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools and a special award presentation event at their school, including an appearance by Rich Evans of Huntington Beach Bodyworks. The three other finalists each will receive $5,000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools.