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AMERICUS — Americus-Sumter High School (ASHS) automotive students recently listened to a presentation by Vince Berardi, a recruiter for the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH). The presentation was hosted by ASHS automotive science instructor Fred Mohl in his classroom.

Berardi discussed various UNOH course offerings and degree programs which included: automotive, high performance, diesel mechanic, agricultural science, and robotics. Berardi boasted that UNOH is the only university in the country to offer automotive degrees with scholarship opportunities available for race car drivers, race team mechanics, and pit crew. Following Berardi’s presentation, Americus Sumter-High senior Abelardo Gomez began his application for admission to UNOH, with the goal of pursuing a degree in automotive technology.

“At first I wasn’t interested, because none of my classmates were applying.” Gomez shared. “But then I started watching the videos he had of UNOH students and all stuff they were saying about the school. I like how the teachers there work with you one on one, and the smaller class sizes. That appeals to me. So, I decided to apply and see what happens. I’m hoping I will get a soccer scholarship.”

Before Berardi left the ASHS campus, Gomez had completed his admission and scholarship applications.

Gomez said it was the recruiter that made the difference for him. “Mr. Berardi told us so much stuff I had never heard before, like ways to search for scholarship money online. His presentation was very powerful. It had a huge impact on me. But, he really got my attention when he mentioned soccer. He said we can work, learn, and still do soccer, and that playing soccer will get me a free ride for school.”