Rockets make holiday memories with free oil changes

A free oil change program at Northeast High School allowed more than two dozen families to enjoy brighter holidays.

Students enrolled in Northeast’s automotive and power sports program were able to bring their family’s vehicles into the school’s automotive shop for free oil changes. Donations from three businesses – Sid Dillon Auto Group, RDO Truck Center and Advance Auto Parts – covered the cost of the service.

Northeast teacher Andy Christensen said he was pleased to watch the oil changes take place. Students performed more than 30 oil changes and went through almost 40 gallons of oil.

“What really moved me was the students who brought their mom, dad or brother in to help with the oil change,” Christensen said. “It was powerful to watch both the student and their family member’s face light up as the car was going up the lift. Hopefully we will do this again next year.”

From left, a father and son are standing underneath their vehicle that is on a car lift. They are inside Northeast's auto shop. Both are wearing long-sleeved shirts and are preparing to do an oil change on the car.
A mother watches as her son and another adult inspect a vehicle in Northeast High School's auto shop. She is standing under the middle of the car, which is raised on a lift. Her son and the other adult are standing in between the front two tires.
A mother and her son stand in front of a car that is on a lift in the Northeast High School auto shop. The mother has her right arm on the back of her son as they look at the camera.

Updated December 18, 2025