When Tanner Kivol picked out a 1971 Chevrolet C-10 in Grade 7, he already knew it would one day become his high school autobody project.

That planning paid off on May 20 when his restored truck, Stella, captured the People’s Choice Award at Peacock’s second annual Show N’ Shine, earning praise from fellow car enthusiasts, students, alumni, and community members.

The award-winning truck represented years of planning and learning. Growing up, Kivol spent countless hours following his great-grandfather — affectionately known as “Papa Farm” — around the family farm, watching and helping as equipment and vehicles were repaired.

According to Peacock staff, those experiences sparked a passion for classic vehicles and hands-on mechanical work that ultimately led him to restore Stella as his high school autobody project.

The restoration eventually became a four-generation project, with Kivol, his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather working side by side to bring the half-century-old truck back to life. Over countless hours in the shop, the family tackled the complex process of dismantling and rebuilding the vehicle, transforming it from an ambitious idea into an award-winning classic while creating lasting memories for four generations of the same family.

“It’s not for the faint of heart,” the school noted. “It takes a lot of guts and determination to dismantle something as complicated as this and know you’re willing to do the hard work to put it all back together correctly.”

The restored pickup was among dozens of vehicles featured during the Show N’ Shine, which was organized to support the restoration of Peacock’s historic race car while highlighting the school’s autobody program.

For vice-principal Brad Raes, projects such as Kivol’s truck demonstrate why Peacock’s autobody program remains valuable. He said the Show N’ Shine provides students with an opportunity to showcase their work while connecting with alumni and longtime car enthusiasts who share their knowledge and experiences.

“There are several examples of student work here that show how important the program is,” Raes said during the event. “Finding places for kids who are passionate about this kind of work is a fantastic opportunity for everybody.”

According to Raes, Peacock’s autobody program is the last remaining true high school autobody class in Saskatchewan, surviving despite rising costs that have led similar programs elsewhere in the province to disappear. The school also boasts a rich automotive history through its student racing program, which operated for roughly two decades beginning with a 1968 Chevelle before transitioning to a Pontiac Firebird that students raced throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.

School officials said one of the evening’s most rewarding aspects was seeing experienced automotive enthusiasts share their passion with students.

“It’s a really beautiful thing to watch the older generation of car lovers share their enthusiasm and knowledge with our students,” the school said. “What a wonderful mentoring opportunity for Peacock.”

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express