The Zach Peterson Memorial Scholarship Committee met on Thursday, September 12, to discuss the outcomes of their recent fundraising efforts and plans for the future. The board, composed of Dale Belnap, Michelle Zivoder, Kyle Heim, Dylan John, and Brandon Nutter, with advisory roles held by Zach Peterson’s family—Dan & Jama Peterson, Krista Hardway, and Terry Peterson—expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming community support.
The scholarship, established to honor the late Zach Peterson, a 2017 graduate of James A. Garfield High School, is designed to assist students from James A. Garfield and Windham High Schools who wish to pursue post-secondary training for careers in Automotive Service or Auto Body Repair. In addition to supporting high school graduates, the fund will also aid incoming-juniors from these schools who are entering the automotive program at Maplewood Career Center during the 2025-2026 school year. The committee will be working with the Windham and Garfield guidance counselors to make an application available to students who would qualify.
Thanks to the community’s generosity, sponsorships, donations, and strong attendance at the Labor Day car show hosted by Nelson Ledges Race Track, the committee is excited to announce they will be able to award scholarships in the spring. The event has also provided a solid foundation to continue offering scholarships in the coming years.
Zach Peterson, who worked at his family’s business, GeeVille Auto Parts, was remembered fondly by his family and friends during the event. Trophies for the car show, designed and fabricated by Zach’s brother-in-law, Ron Hardway, were awarded to several participants, with Chris Hoge taking home the Best of Show prize for his 1969 Camaro.
The winners of the other trophies were as follows:
GM Category – Craig Strock – 1951 Truck; Mopar Category – Dee Waters – 1971 Cuda; Ford Category – Joe Sisak – 1948 Ford Coup; Other Category – Mike Branam – 1949 Jeepster , Motorcycle Category – Roy Davis – 2010 Harley Trike, 4×4 Category – Mike Pawles – 55 Chevy Truck, Hot Rod Category – Ron & Nancy Learn – 1932 Coup.
The committee wishes to extend special thanks to Brian Ross of Nelson Ledges Race Track and all the car show participants, sponsors and vendors who contributed to making the event a success. Planning is already underway for next years show.
