Adrian, MI – Excellence in the shop goes far beyond sanding, welding, refinishing, and repair. It is built through work ethic, leadership, perseverance, and pride in a job well done.
On Tuesday, May 5, the LISD TECH Center will celebrate four outstanding students from its Automotive Collision Repair and Refinish program at the annual Mark Pfister Top Gun Award dinner, where one student will be named this year’s recipient of one of the program’s highest honors.
Named in memory of beloved former instructor Mark Pfister, the award recognizes students who reflect the values he lived every day: integrity, dedication, family, humility, and a commitment to excellence. Each year, the selected candidates represent the very best of the program, both in skill and in character.
This year’s candidates come from across Lenawee County, each with their own story, strengths, and vision for the future.
Mateo Pizaña | Madison High School
For Mateo Pizaña, the appeal of collision repair was simple from the start. He wanted to work with his hands and learn in an environment where effort turns into visible results.
That hands-on approach quickly became something more.
“What kept me motivated was being able to do satisfying work and it feeling rewarding once a job is done,” Pizaña shared.
One project stands above the rest during his time in the program: a custom fender he spent significant time perfecting. Seeing the final result after hours of dedication remains one of his proudest moments.
Beyond technical growth, Pizaña says the TECH Center has helped him become more communicative, more helpful to others, and more confident in his abilities. He approaches each day with a positive attitude and hopes to move directly into the workforce after graduation.
Shelby Streeter | Tecumseh High School
Shelby Streeter was drawn to the program by a passion for working on vehicles and the chance to learn in a hands-on setting. Over time, watching her own progress became a powerful motivator.
“The great results that come with repairing and refinishing” helped fuel her drive to keep improving.
One of her favorite memories came during a custom panel project in her first year, when she had the opportunity to work more independently and fully embrace her creativity through color and design choices.
Now a second-year student, Streeter has grown into a leader in the classroom, helping first-year students build confidence and sharpen their own skills.
She credits the program with giving her real-world experience, stronger confidence, and a clearer picture of a future in the automotive industry.
Donovan Lilly | Adrian High School
For Donovan Lilly, a lifelong love of cars and working on things made the collision program a natural fit.
During his time at the TECH Center, one moment stands out most: becoming a student leader.
“It was one of the most memorable moments because I haven’t had many opportunities to excel in a leadership position,” Lilly said.
That experience helped unlock personal growth far beyond the shop floor. Lilly says he has strengthened his problem-solving skills, mental endurance, and confidence in public conversations.
He strives to bring kindness, honesty, perseverance, and a strong work ethic into everything he does. While he may not pursue collision repair as a career, he knows the skills and lessons learned through the program will stay with him for life.
Larry Masters | Tecumseh High School
Larry Masters came into the program with experience as a mechanic and a desire to expand his skill set.
“I already was a mechanic and just wanted to learn a new skill,” he shared. “The motivation to stick with it was definitely the teachers.”
One of his most memorable milestones was taking on the responsibility of sealing and painting an entire vehicle on his own for the first time.
“It was the first big thing I did alone,” Masters said.
During his time at the TECH Center, Larry says he has grown more confident, especially when it comes to speaking in front of others and building stronger social skills.
He brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic into the shop each day, focused on doing his best and reaching the end goal. Looking ahead, he sees the program as opening new doors, giving him another valuable set of skills and an additional career path to consider.
While only one student will hear their name announced on May 5, all four candidates have already earned something meaningful: the respect of their instructors, the admiration of their classmates, and recognition as some of the best in the program.
They represent the skill, determination, and character that define the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinish program at the LISD TECH Center. They have put in the hours, faced challenges, learned from mistakes, and continued to grow.
On May 5, one student will receive the Top Gun Award.
But no matter whose name is called, this year’s candidates have already proven they are ready for what comes next and that their future is full of possibility.