Chevron Products Company announced today that judges have selected the 12 finalists for this year’s 27th Annual Chevron Tractor Restoration Competition. The finalists, made up of vintage tractor restorers aged 15 to 19 from high schools across the United States, have spent a collective 7,307 hours on their builds.
The Chevron TRC is a STEM-fueled initiative that inspires high school students to engage in hands-on learning while honing critical thinking, budgeting, time management, and collaboration skills. This program goes beyond the classroom to help students cultivate a deep understanding of engineering, mechanics, and the agricultural industry.
The 2024 class of finalists are:
- Tyler Billings, representing Floresville FFA in Floresville, Texas: 1980 John Deere 4440
- Katie Bryan, from Richlands High School in Richlands, North Carolina: 1950 John Deere Model A
- Cuero FFA, from Cuero High School in Cuero, Texas: 1975 John Deere 4430
- Reiley Houtz, from Paso Robles High School in Paso Robles, California: 1945 International Farmall M
- Garrett Mills, from West Rowan High School in Mount Ulla, North Carolina: 1952 Oliver 66 Diesel
- Anthony Ortiz, from Liberty High School in Paso Robles, California: 1950 John Deere Model A
- Benjamin Reed and Landon Rehberg, from Elkhorn Area High School in Delavan, Wisconsin: 1962 Oliver 770
- Noah Roberts, from Dodgeland High School in Juneau, Wisconsin: 1940 John Deere B
- Trey Schronk, from Grandview ISD in Hillsboro, Texas: 1959 John Deere 730 Diesel
- Caleb Terrell, from Templeton High School in Templeton, California: 1949 Farmall Cub
- Braden Wheeler, from Templeton High School in Templeton, California: 1947 Allis Chalmers B
- Samantha Williams, from Heartland Charter School in Atascadero, California: 1948 Ford 8N
“Watching students breathe new life into these iconic machines is something that the entire organization looks forward to every year,” said Walt M. Collier, Americas Commercial Sector Manager, Chevron. “These pieces of agricultural machinery have helped shape and feed our country, and instead of rusting behind the barn, these 1940s through 1980s tractors will inspire future generations for years to come.”
Finalist presentations will take place in person on October 23 and 24, in Indianapolis, co-located with the 97th FFA National Convention & Expo, where the winners will be announced and more than $20,000 in prizes will be awarded. The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite restoration now through Friday, October 11, 2024.
