To advertise: 800-371-9938 www.discoverypubs.com
Discover Western Prince William
December 2025/January 2026
16
~ Kristy Gillespie
Osbourn Park High School's
Automotive Technology Program
prepares students to become
entry-level technicians through
hands-on training aligned with
industry standards and the Virginia
Department of Education curriculum.
The program is accredited by
Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE) and taught by ASE-certified
instructors. Students in grades 911
from participating Prince William
County Public Schools may apply, and
those accepted transfer to Osbourn
Park for all program coursework.
Express bus transportation is
available for students living outside
the school's boundaries.
Instructor Joe Pattarozzi has led the
program for 16 years and brings more
than two decades of experience as
an automotive technician, including
18 years at a local dealership. Eighty
students are currently enrolled. Joe
emphasizes that desire, drive, and
a willingness to learn are the
qualities that help students
succeed. The program stands
out for its strong employability
right out of high school and
for the many career pathways
it opens--both within the
automotive industry and
beyond.
Inside the shop, the hum of
equipment and the scent of
motor oil make the space feel
like a fully functioning service
center. Students learn to
repair and refinish automobiles and
service a variety of vehicles. They
also practice essential maintenance
procedures such as lubrication, oil
changes, antifreeze installation,
and replacement of parts like
wiper blades and tires. The shop's
industry-standard equipment--
including scan tools, on-the-car
brake lathes, alignment technology,
modern tire mounting and balancing
machines, and A/C recovery and
recycling systems--gives students
the opportunity to work with the
same tools they will encounter in
professional settings.
As part of their training, students
take the student-level Maintenance
and Light Repair (MLR) exam, along
with the Brakes and Suspension and
Steering exams. They also have the
Osbourn Park High School's Automotive
Technology Program:
Gearing Up for the Future
opportunity to sit for standard ASE
exams and earn certification upon
passing, provided they complete the
program and meet ASE's employment
requirements. These experiences
help students build technical skills
and workplace habits--such as
safety, teamwork, time management,
and problem-solving--that employers
value.
Graduates pursue a wide range
of pathways. Many continue their
education at technical colleges,
universities, or in the military, while
others join the workforce immediately
after high school at local dealerships
and repair facilities. PWCS has
strengthened partnerships with
regional businesses to provide CTE
students with meaningful internships
and employment opportunities.
"I wish more people were aware of
the opportunities this program offers
students," Joe says. "It provides them
with real-world knowledge and
highly sought-after problem-
solving skills."
Joe recalls a former student
who spent three years in the
program but was unsure of
her path after graduation.
Toward the end of her senior
year, something clicked, and
she embraced the idea of
working in the automotive field.
After graduation, she joined
a local municipality, where
she continues to excel. She
recently returned to OPHS to speak
with current students about how the
automotive program helped prepare
her for a successful career.
Specialty program applications for
the Automotive Technology Program
are accepted November 1 through
February 1 each year. Eligible
students from Battlefield, Brentsville,
Colgan, Gainesville, Osbourn Park,
Patriot, and Unity Reed may apply to
the Osbourn Park program. Eligible
students at Forest Park, Freedom,
Gar-Field, Hylton, Potomac, and
Woodbridge are encouraged to
apply to the Automotive Technology
Program at Hylton. For more
information, visit
pwcs.edu. Select
Families, Specialty Programs, then
Automotive Program.
Community Bulletin
Board
A Public Service Feature
from
Discovery Publications
Prince William County Trails Coalition
2nd Sunday Hike
Sunday, December 14, 1pm start
Broad Run Trail upstream from Rt. 28.
About 3 miles on wooded area in stream
corridor, some established trail, some off-trail
hills. Well-behaved dogs on leash welcome.
Register: secretary@pwtsc.org
Prince William Public Library
Central Library Studio 8601
Junk Journaling Club
Wednesday, December 17,
5:30-7pm
Teens/Adults
Turn your trash (think receipts, ticket stubs, tags,
and more) into treasures & craft a fun way to
look back on memories. Journals provided for
first-time visitors while supplies last.
8601 Mathis Ave., Manassas
703-792-8360
Holiday Hours
All libraries closed
Wednesday, December 24, &
Thursday, December 25
Wednesday, December 31, &
Thursday, January 1
pwcva.gov/library
Manassas Chorale
presents
"Merry and Bright"
Saturday, December 13, 7:30pm
Winter Concert. Concert with a Cause:
To support SERVE. For more information
on items requested go to:
manassaschorale.org
Hylton Performing Arts Center
10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas
For tickets:
hyltoncenter.org
703-993-7759
Merrifield Garden Center
Cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 20, 12-1:30pm
$23.28
Family event. Enjoy Christmas cookies while
visiting with Santa. Each child with a ticket
(free for children under age 2) may speak
to Santa & have their photo taken with him.
Adults must accompany all children.
6895 Wellington Rd., Gainesville
eventbrite.com/e/cookies-with-santa-
tickets-1866595731079
The ARTfactory
Painting Acrylics with Jortt
with John Hartt
Thursday, December 18, 1-3pm
For 1 week
$43 (Members $36.55) 2-hr class.
John leads students in painting an original
piece of art based on his signature style
using acrylic paints, as students create their
own original work.
9419 Battle St., Manassas
703-330-2787 · virginiaartfactory.org