On Tuesday evening, the former Governor Rick Perry came to Boerne to receive a surprise gift from Champion High School’s welding class. Led by teacher Dorman Vick, the CHS welding class had completely restored Perry’s father’s 1992 Chevrolet pickup.

Perry is a strong advocate for the trades and was a welding student in his younger years. In fact, as a kid, he fashioned the headache bar on his dad’s truck himself.

The former governor had entrusted the CHS students to perform some repairs on the truck, but had no clue they’d be doing a complete restoration.

Several local and regional businesses pitched in to help the students along the way, including but not limited to: Vic Vaughan Toyota, NAPA Auto Parts, Holden Bros. Diesel, Discount Tire, Bill Goldberg and Goldberg’s Garage, Auto Trim Design, MuscleRod Shop, Ritchie Automotive, CuStumm Design and Tees, Caliber Collision, Tractor Supply, and more.

The CHS welding class presented the refurbished truck to Perry in a ceremony.

Here’s a bit of background on the truck: