John Garippa of Wayland, N.Y., has been named the 2008 Educator of the Year at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) Conference held recently at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa. Garippa is an associate professor at Alfred State College, SUNY College of Technology in Wellsville, N.Y. Each year Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction. Garippa was presented with a check for $500 and a recognition certificate. “Mitchell 1 is proud to join with NACAT for another year to honor those who have demonstrated a commitment to educational excellence in the automotive repair industry,” says Karen Wagner, marketing manager for Mitchell 1. “John Garippa has an outstanding reputation as an instructor and we feel he is an outstanding choice for this award. Everyone at Mitchell 1 would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to John on his achievement.” Garippa graduated from Alfred State College’s automotive program at the top of his class in 1984. From 1984 to 1994, he was an auto and light truck technician at Elsenheimer Chevrolet in Hornell, N.Y. Garippa was a member of Chevrolet’s National Advisory Council from 1990-92. He has been an automotive instructor since 1994. Garippa has been ASE Master Certified since 1984. In addition, he is ASE Certified Advanced Level Specialist; ASE Certified Truck – Brakes, Steering/Suspension, HVAC; and ASE Certified Collision – Mechanical/Electrical. Selection criteria for the Educator of the Year award requires that a master automotive technician excel on all ASE automotive tests, including A1 – A8 (Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning, Engine Performance) and the L1 (Advanced Engine Performance Exam). For more information, visit www.mitchell1.com. | 
