Merle Saunders’ automotive technology program at Vale High School in Vale builds such advanced skills and knowledge that graduates often have prerequisites waived when they reach college. Mr. Saunders has developed a highly motivational, standards-aligned curriculum and uses a business model for his classes. In addition to developing strong competencies in applied science and mathematics, his students offer auto repair services to the community and are responsible for their own scheduling, parts orders, customer relations and billing. Mr. Saunders began the Vale High Auto Club and his students, who frequently take first place in state and national auto skills tournaments, have won hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, scholarships, tools, equipment and vehicles. An integral part of the school’s improvement efforts, Mr. Saunders serves on its site council and on its New Century Schools Committee. Merle retired 2011 after 31 years with Vale High School Automotive.
1977 Arizona Automotive Institute, Other
