Congratulations to Van Buren Tech students Trinity Nicks, a Welding student from Decatur High School, and Colton Stegman, an Auto Technician Brakes, Engines &
Suspensions student from Bangor High School, for receiving the Fred Knight Van Buren Tech Scholarship. Trinity will continue her education in welding at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Colton will attend the University of Northwestern Ohio to study Diesel Technology, Construction Equipment Technology, and Agriculture Equipment Technology.
This scholarship honors Fred Knight, a former student and longtime staff member who spent over four decades supporting students at Van Buren Tech. In the fall of 1976, Fred was one of the first students to attend the newly opened "Van Buren County Skill Center." As a senior at Hartford High School, he enrolled in the Auto Body program and became the first Student Council President at Tech. At his home school, he was voted “class skipper” due to his afternoon absences. In reality, he was attending the "Skill Center" every afternoon for his Auto Body program, where he developed a strong passion for working with cars.
After graduating from high school, Fred attended Denver Automotive and Diesel College. He then returned to Michigan to open a small auto body shop. Fred valued the students, staff, and programs at the school, which led him to spend the next 42 years working in various roles at Van Buren Tech and throughout the Intermediate School District (ISD). Throughout his career, he remained focused on ensuring student success. Fred passed away in 2024. His scholarships support students pursuing careers in automotive and welding, fields he loved and dedicated his life to.