NEWPORT-It's a win-win project for students in Chris Crum's class at Cocke County High's Ben W. Hooper Vocational School.

Two dozen students in Crum's Paint & Refinishing Class are partnering with Dollywood to refurbish over two dozen fiberglass cars used in the theme park's 1950s-era section. The scale model Thunderbirds, Corvettes, and other models have provided thousands of young drivers the opportunity to guide their cars around a track to the delight of parents and grandparents.

However, after a quarter of a century of use, the vehicles were in need of some sprucing up, and a deal between Dollywood officials and CCHS has left everyone involved delighted.

"The cars had never been refurbished," said Crum, "and were as rough as we've ever seen."

For more details, please see the weekend edition of the Newport Plain Talk.