The Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) hosted the 2025 Tool Grant Awards Ceremony at the Southeast Collision Conference, celebrating the next generation of skilled technicians in the automotive collision repair industry. The Tool Grant Program, launched a few years ago by the CCA Trade School Committee, continues to support aspiring professionals by equipping them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
"This program has proven to be a tremendous success," said board member Avery Canady at the event. "One year after our inaugural awards, all eight recipients from the class of 2024 are still thriving in the industry and well on their way to becoming A+ technicians."
The 2025 award recipients, joined by their families, instructors and employers, were honored at the ceremony. They each received a $2,000 grant. The event is funded primarily through an annual fundraiser hosted by the CCA. The most recent event took place at the Trackhouse Motorplex in Mooresville, NC, where a day of high-speed go-kart racing brought together members of the industry in a fun and competitive environment.
The CCA extends special thanks to the platinum sponsors of the 2024 fundraiser—Blue Ridge Color Company, 3M and PPG—as well as numerous local shops that contributed to the success of the event. The 2025 fundraiser will return to Trackhouse Motorplex on Oct. 18, and all are encouraged to participate.
The CCA also acknowledges the hard work and support of its board members, the Trade School Committee, and Executive Director Josh Kent for organizing both the fundraiser and the Tool Grant Awards.
2025 CCA Tool Grant Award Recipients
South Carolina Recipients
• Aidan Byrne: A student at Greenville Technical College and part-time employee at Twin Lakes Auto Body in Seneca, SC, Byrne is graduating this year and will join Twin Lakes full-time. He also received a training package worth $10,000 to train with BETAG.
• Eric Garcia: An apprentice at D&D Ford Collision Center in Greer, SC, and colleague of 2024 recipient Avery Smith, Garcia is known for his dedication and strong peer relationships.
• Medsia Reyes: A graduate of Swofford Career Center and current team member at Image Collision Express in Duncan, SC, Reyes is excelling in the paint department and is recognized for her ongoing development and talent.
• Drew Stenger: The former student at Lexington Technology Center and current employee at Kolors By Keisler in Lexington, SC, is supported by strong endorsements from his instructor and employer.
North Carolina Recipients
• Aaron Aldridge: A student at Cleveland Community College and technician at Speed Street Collision in Lowell, NC, Aldridge is known for his lifelong passion for automobiles.
• Jamal Bastick: A student at Sandhills Community College and employee at Griffin Body Shop in Hamlet, NC, Bastick is described as an ideal team member by all references.
• Skye Livezy: The technician at Excel Body Works in Jacksonville, NC, is a trade school graduate who relocated to North Carolina with her Marine husband. Livezy has shown rapid growth in the paint department.
• Jordan Staley: The former truck driver and father of five transitioned to collision repair for family reasons. Known for his work ethic, integrity and community involvement, Staley is on a path to become a standout painter in the industry.
