Piston Scholars In The Field is a collection of interviews that offer a glimpse of the life-changing impact the car community can make when it steps up to support the next generation of collector car technicians.
These Piston Scholars are smart, dedicated young enthusiasts who have chosen demanding, hands-on careers the industry depends on. Backed by Piston scholarships and a community that believes in their potential, they’re gaining the skills and confidence to carry automotive craftsmanship forward. When we come together to fuel the future, we don’t just support students—we help secure what’s possible for the collector car community for generations to come.
If you’re an auto-tech student and aspiring collector car technician, learn how you can become a Piston Scholar.
Ten Scholars. Ten Stories.
He Didn’t Choose the Typical Path | Gavin Powell
Gavin Powell chose a different path. As a Piston Scholar training for a career in automotive restoration, he’s building his future through hands-on work. This short film explores why he chose the skilled trades—and what that decision means for his future.
Turning Classic Cars Into Art | Sara Bliss
Sara Bliss discovered her passion for classic cars through her father, a mechanic who encouraged her early interest in the craft. Now a Piston Scholar from Denver, she’s pursuing a career in automotive paint—bringing classic cars back to life and turning restoration into a form of art.
The Best Part of Classic Cars Isn’t the Cars | Cameron Maguire
Cameron Maguire is a Piston Scholar pursuing a career in the collector car industry. In this short film, Cameron shares how his passion for cars and people come together—using vintage automobiles as a way to bring enthusiasts together and help others discover the history, craft, and community behind classic cars.
Where I Belong | Tara Feeney
Tara Feeney is a Piston Scholar building her future in the collector car industry. In this short film, she shares how hands-on training in automotive restoration gave her more than technical skill — it gave her confidence, direction, and a place where she truly belongs.
Help Fuel the Future of Collector Cars
The students you’re watching are serious about their craft—and they represent just a few of the many young enthusiasts interested in pursuing skilled trade careers in the collector car industry.
With the support of the Piston Foundation and its donors, that interest can become real training, real experience, and real careers. By sponsoring a Piston Scholar, you help provide the support, training, and momentum needed to turn commitment into lasting professions.
Building by Hand | Sam Povod
Sam Povod knew early he wanted to work with his hands. In this episode of Scholars in the Field, he shares how a love for cars became a clear path toward a career in classic car restoration — and how Piston support helps turn passion into profession.
Crafting a Creative Career | Cody Kuss
Cody Kuss didn’t just grow up around cars—he grew up seeing what they could become. That curiosity evolved into a creative drive to shape metal, refine bodywork, and build a career in classic car restoration. With support from Piston, he’s turning passion into profession.
From Frame-Off to Future | Marcello Dean
In this interview, Marcello Dean shares how early hands-on experience—including his first frame-off Jeep restoration—set him on a path toward automotive restoration. He reflects on learning by doing, building skills the right way, and how Piston’s support helps him focus on his future in the collector car industry.
From Curious to Craftsperson | Morgan Moravec
Morgan Moravec shares what first drew her to classic cars, why being around them every day feels like the right place to be, and how hands-on learning—and Piston’s support—are helping her build confidence and direction in the collector car industry.
Passion Becomes Practice | John Morris
In this interview, John shares what it means to turn passion into practice—finding confidence through hands-on learning, discovering a sense of belonging among like-minded students, and how Piston’s support helps him stay focused on developing real-world skills and building a future in the collector car industry.
Preserving What Matters | Emma Silveira
Emma shares why hands-on craftsmanship matters to her, what it means to preserve more than just the cars themselves, and how Piston’s support helps her stay focused on learning the craft and building a future in the collector car industry.
Fuel the Future — Become a Sponsor Today
Across the country, young car enthusiasts are ready to commit to the hands-on careers that keep automotive craftsmanship alive. Piston scholarships—made possible by donors like you—help turn that passion into purpose by providing financial support, mentorship, and opportunity at a critical moment.
When you sponsor a Piston Scholar, you’re not just supporting one student—you’re helping build the next generation of talent the collector car community depends on.
About The Film Maker
Blake Swingle is a Piston Scholar and graduate of the McPherson College auto restoration program. He is a storyteller, photographer, and filmmaker with a passion for capturing real moments and meaningful stories.
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