Students, staff, district leaders and community members at Spring ISD’s Dekaney High School gathered on Thursday morning to celebrate a special donation that will accelerate learning for the campus’s P-TECH automotive program. 

Planet Ford, located in Spring, presented the program with a 2024 Lincoln Aviator, giving scholars hands-on access to modern automotive technology.

The donation is especially meaningful for students who have previously trained on aging vehicles with limited technology. The 2024 Lincoln Aviator gives them, for the first time, access to a nearly new model equipped with more than 10 onboard computers. With its advanced systems and modern features, the vehicle opens the door to hands-on training in diagnostics, electrical components, and technology students will encounter in today’s automotive industry.

Spring ISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar praised the moment, calling it a point of pride for the district. 

“My heart is so full right now for the students to get this opportunity,” Cuellar said. “With the partnership of Planet Ford, I have immense gratitude. They have been a critical partner for Spring ISD. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that means the world to this fantastic program, our students, and our district.”

Planet Ford leaders joined Dekaney’s P-TECH staff and students at the presentation to underscore the importance of industry partnerships. Brad Stapp, Operations Director for Planet Ford, said the company is committed to helping students prepare for real-world careers.

“This is such a special chance for the kids because this car is equipped with all of the modern technology,” Stapp said. “We have a longtime relationship with Spring ISD and want to continue to grow it. These students are the future of the industry, and we want to do what we can to help develop them.”

At Dekaney, the donation drew students in. P-TECH scholar Alicia Toussaint stepped forward for a closer look, honking the horn and grinning as classmates clustered around the Aviator.

“When I found out, I was so excited. Not a lot of students get a chance to work on something like this, so I can’t stop smiling,” she said.

Toussaint added that the moment can open doors for more girls to join the program. 

“You don’t see a lot of girls in automotive, but being able to work on cars like this could help build interest,” Toussaint said. “It’s important for girls to know they can work on cars too.”

With the Lincoln Aviator now in the shop, Dekaney’s P-TECH students will get firsthand experience with modern systems while strengthening the district’s connection to Planet Ford, a partner invested in students’ futures.