For students in Jason Imperiale’s morning Automotive Technology class, knowledge is fuel. Now they are passing it on to students in the Pegasus program.
Recently, five Pegasus students, wearing proper eyewear and gloves, learned how to change oil in a car with assistance from six automotive students.
Pegasus’ classroom was near the automotive shop for five years during which time students became fascinated by cars and how they work, so a chance to collaborate with Imperiale’s class proved inevitable.
“Over the last five years they kept asking to go,” special education teacher Krystine Nardozzi said. “They just love learning about cars, it’s one of their interests.”
The Pegasus kids had fun learning a hands-on skill that could open the door to potential employment opportunities. Nardozzi and Imperiale are scheduling more times for students to learn other automotive skills.
“They’re more familiar with some of the jobs that are out there to them,” Nardozzi explained. “It was a good learning opportunity.”
Pegasus student Tyrese Williams was proud of the work he completed.
“We did a good job,” Williams said. “We’re fixing the car.”
It was also an excellent learning opportunity for Imperale’s students to understand the needs of BOCES’ special needs population and build empathy for them.
“His kids showed them hand-over-hand on what they needed to do,” Nardozzi said. “They were great.”
Senior Scarlett Stoner most enjoyed seeing Pegasus students be happy when they accomplished the task. She understands that patience is key to working with these students.
“It may take them a little longer to learn it, but it’s something a person should know,” Stoner said. “We didn’t understand a lot of the stuff we were doing when we first started here, so it takes some getting used to.”
Senior Connor DiFiore appreciated the chance to work with Pegasus students because he wants to see them succeed and was impressed with their work.
“They picked it up real quick,” DiFiore said. “After the work’s done, you get a good feeling in your heart.”