By Marisa Kashmer, Collision Repair Junior from Union Area School District

Here at LCCTC there are many great opportunities for kids from all different walks of life. Students in the Lawrence County area can study careers in Arts and Media, Building Trades, Energy, Manufacturing, Transportation, Hospitality, and Heath and Animal Science. For me, it was the Collision Repair program which caught my interest. Because of my family, I have been exposed to the mechanical side of cars; I wanted to learn about how to repair and enhance the exterior. When I came to LCCTC, my decision was confirmed as I met my soon to be instructor, and I was impressed with his passion for the field. It made me wonder: How does one develop such devotion to his craft, so much so that he wanted to share it with a bunch of goofy teenagers? I would soon find out.

Today, LCCTC’s instructor Mr.Banner is a highly talented technician, with 15 years experience under his belt, but he didn’t start out that way. Banner did not just pick up a paint gun one morning and discover he was extremely talented. Working his way from run of the mill dealerships to working on custom, classic, and hyper cars didn’t happen by accident. He was influenced by incredibly talented, passionate custom painting instructors.

It was at PPG Paints where Banner first met Jeremy Seanor. At that time, Seanor, a technical instructor who had already left his mark on the industry, instilled upon his students the knowledge and skill needed to earn a certification. Banner, his student, earned said certification but he gained much more than a skill; he gained a sincere respect for the craftsmanship and for the master of his craft. Today, Seanor and Banner call each other, “friend.”

Eight years later, Seanor has now opened his own custom paint shop called Lucky Strikes Designs. As a highly skilled painter, he understands the importance of using a valuable product. He knows that his skill is only as good as the products he uses. Seanor, described by Banner as a “forever teacher,” not only has a passion for what he does, but he also has the foresight to embrace the fact that the next generation of collision technicians is right around the corner.

With this in mind, Seanor decided to ensure that this next generation has the proper tools needed to become highly skilled and employable. After hearing of Banner’s desire to incorporate into his curriculum EPA-required PPG Waterborne Paints, a new technology that features better color match, better coverage, and faster drying times, Seanor was “in.” Because of his incredibly generous donation of $15,000, LCCTC students will have first-hand training experience using environmentally-safe paints.

For this, Evan Banner, the Administration of LCCTC, and -- most of all -- the students are forever grateful for the incredible generosity from a man, a Master in his field, who was willing to pay it forward.

As Banner inspires me, I have witnessed the generosity from the source of his inspiration, his devotion to the craft. As Seanor serves by example with his devotion to the craft, perhaps one day I will be able to share the fruits of my training and labor and skill with the next generation who follows me.

LCCTC is greatly appreciative of the generosity of Jeremy Seanor and looks forward to a continued partnership with Lucky Strikes Designs.