Derek Wray, a Salem High School teacher, was awarded a $100,000 cheque today for his outstanding teaching in his automotive and diesel technical class.

Wray received $30,000 for himself and $70,000 for his teaching program as one of only three grand prize winners of the ‘Harbor Freight Tools for Schools’ contest. Wray was the only automotive instructor to earn the grand award out of over 700 skilled trades teachers from 49 states who applied.

Wray gives his pupils real-world experiences by forming an advisory board for his class that includes service directors, shop owners, managers, technicians, former students, and school administrators.