Vintage cars visit South High School

John Cunnane, right, taught Dylan Vanetten about the inner workings of his 1924 Model T Ford.

Nick Ciccone/Herald

Alyssa Eyssalenne, left, Jolie Correa, center, and Valentina Varona dressed as flappers for the event.

Nick Ciccone/Herald

Students peered into the cars and learned about some of the distinguishing characteristics of early automobiles.

Nick Ciccone/Herald

English teacher Ginger Calderaro, right, and her father, Robert Gunther, in front of his 1930 Model A Ford.

Nick Ciccone/Herald

Several students remarked at the “Hoover for President” embossing on the front grill of a 1930 Model A Ford.

Nick Ciccone/Herald

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A group of eighth-graders at South High School gathered at the front of a 1930 Model A Ford on March 18, noticing the embossed “Hoover for President” on its front grill. The students were part of an in-house field trip that followed two months of research and preparation for a 1920s-themed event.

“The entire grade is involved and they’ve researched a person from the time period and they’re dressed up like them,” said English teacher Kerry Butler. “So, it’s sort of a lot at once.”

The 1920s and 1930s Extravaganza is a combined English and social studies event that has been held sporadically at the school over the past several years. Students filed out in front of the building, where four vintage Fords were parked.

Ginger Calderaro, an English teacher at the school, enlisted the help of her father, Robert Gunther, who owns several vintage cars, to include the vehicles in the event. He then contacted friends who also own vintage cars to enlist their help.

Valley Streamer John Cunnane, owner of a wood-body 1924 Ford Model T, explained to students how its pedal gear shifts work. “It’s really fun to drive,” he said. Cunnane challenged student Dylan Vanetten to find the vehicle’s gas cap, which he revealed was under the driver’s seat.