On April 26, Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center (CTC) will host its sixth
Dick Ater Memorial Jaguar Jubilee Car Show, drawing car enthuaists all of ages and intersts.
Claire Spangler, CTC school counselor and event coordinator, says the car show draws in a wide variety of all makes, models, and years.
The event is named after Dick Ater, who was the auto body and collision repair instructor for CTC for over 20 years, and helps raise funds for
Ater's Drug Free Clubs of America. The club, brought to CTC by Ater, encourages students to be drug-free and rewards them for rewards for maintaining a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
“Every person who shows up plays a part in supporting our students’ futures, whether it’s through encouragement, donations, or simply showing appreciation for their work,” says Spangler. “It’s one of those feel-good, community-driven events that remind you how strong and connected we are here in Clark County.”
Hub Springfield talked with Claire Spangler, school counselor and event coordinator at Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center, to learn more about the history of the Dick Ater Memorial Jaguar Jubilee Car Show, how it supports students, and what visitors can excpect to see.
Hub Springfield: The car show is named after Dick Ater. Can you tell us about that?
Claire Spangler: The event honors the legacy of Dick Ater, the Auto Body and Collision Repair instructor at CTC for over 20 years. When he heard about
Drug Free Clubs of America, he was one of its biggest supporters and pushed to have it brought to our campus, speaking in front of the Board of Education and many others about how this could change students' lives and impact the community in such a positive way.
Starting the Jaguar Jubilee combined his love of cars, his students, this community, and the need to raise funds to support Ater's Drug Free Clubs of America chapter at CTC. Naming this event and the student group is one small way we hope to honor his legacy and continued impact at CTC.
CTC’s mascot is the Jaguar, and Jubilee fit the alliteration we were looking for!
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Winner of Best Interior at the Dick Ater Memorial Jaguar Jubilee Car Show in 2024. Hub: What are some highlights of the Jaguar Jubilee Car Show?
CS: Students custom-make each trophy, and there are quite a few awards given– Best Paint, Best Interior, Best Ford, Best Chevy, Best Truck, Best Mopar, Best Import!, Best of Show, and Student's Choice.
Food trucks! We have several food trucks on-site, as well as CTC’s Food Truck, which is operated by the students in the Culinary Arts program. Fat Hammies and Whisk & Brew, which are operated by CTC Alumni; Fully Cooked Sushi; C. Marie's Sweet Seductions; and Dirty Fizz Soda Shack will be there as well.
Our Career Awareness Team will have several activities for kids of all ages and will be featuring a few of our Career Kits.
Hub: How long have you been hosting this?
CS: The first event was held in 2018, but then we skipped 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, so this year will be the sixth event.
Hub: What is attendance like at the car show?
CS: While we don’t have an official attendance count, we’ve seen consistent growth in turnout each year. From families and students to alumni and community members, the event continues to draw a strong crowd and gain momentum. We can definitely feel the increase in energy, support, and participation each year—it’s become a highly anticipated tradition!
Hub: How does this event benefit students in your programs?
CS: Students in the Automotive and Applied Engineering & Manufacturing programs are directly involved in the design and creation of one-of-a-kind trophies for the event. This gives them valuable, real-world experience using their hands-on skills like welding, fabrication, and design. But it doesn’t stop there—students also get to serve as judges during the event. This role helps them build confidence and sharpen soft skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork. It’s also a meaningful way to showcase their work and feel connected to their program, to CTC, and to the wider community. And of course, networking with local businesses and enthusiasts never hurts.
Hub: Funds raised at the Jaguar Jubilee Car Show support Ater's Drug Free Clubs of America. Can you tell us about that?
CS: For students involved in Ater’s Drug Free Clubs of America (DFCA), this event directly supports their continued involvement in the club. Membership and required drug testing costs over $100 per student each year, but thanks to fundraisers like this one, students only pay $10 out-of-pocket. That financial support helps remove barriers and ensures that any student who wants to commit to a drug-free lifestyle can do so, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Proceeds also go toward encouraging and rewarding students for making healthy, drug-free choices. These rewards might include things like Kona Ice, pizza days, or other small celebrations that make students feel recognized and appreciated.
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Attendees at the fifth Dick Ater Memorial Jaguar Jubilee Car Show in 2024.Hub: What aspects of this event make it stand out?
CS: One of the most special things about this event is the way it brings together a multi-generational community of car lovers. You’ll see classic muscle cars parked next to modern custom builds, and right beside them? A proud owner, who might be a grandparent sharing stories from their drag racing days, or a teen showing off their first project car. It’s a shared passion that crosses generations and connects people who may not otherwise cross paths.
For students, it’s a chance to learn from the old-school pros—and for seasoned car enthusiasts, it’s a way to pass the torch. Whether someone grew up wrenching in a garage or just discovered their love for cars at CTC, they all belong here.
It’s this blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, that makes the vibe so special. The car scene isn’t just about vehicles—it’s about storytelling, craftsmanship, and community.
The Dick Ater Memorial Jaguar Jubilee Car Show is on Saturday, April 26 from noon until 4 p.m. Registrion starts on site at 11:30 a.m. and is topen to all types, sizes, years, and styles of cars. For more information about this event,
visit their website.