WIX Filters, a global innovator and manufacturer of filtration products, in conjunction with Tomorrow’s Technician, has selected the Charles W. Day Technical Education Center (DAYTEC) of Roanoke, VA, as the 2025/2026 School of the Year.

“Roanoke City Public Schools has made a dedicated investment in its community by opening DAYTEC,” explains Carmina Lopez, Manager, Brand Management for WIX Filters. “By offering what they call ‘legacy work,’ because they know and believe in the importance of Career and Technical Education and the positive impact that it can have on a community, the school will have a profound effect on the success of its students. We salute their commitment and are honored to award DAYTEC the 2025/2026 School of the Year award.”

DAYTEC is the 17th recipient of the annual program, which salutes the best technical training schools in the country. WIX Filters and O’Reilly Auto Parts are sponsors of the national award in conjunction with Tomorrow’s Technician, a Babcox Media property dedicated to automotive students.

“WIX has been honored to support the School of the Year program since 2009 and, together with O’Reilly Auto Parts and Babcox Media, it’s an honor to recognize DAYTEC’s efforts,” said Lopez. “Investing in underserved urban communities in Southwest Virginia’s largest city and creating meaningful automotive career pathways for students who may not always have access to these opportunities is truly commendable.”

The School of the Year competition is open to all high schools or post-secondary schools that participate with Tomorrow’s Technician’s newsletters, website or LMS (learning management system). Tomorrow’s Technician, a Babcox Media brand, is the only national media outlet dedicated to supporting educators and students in transportation-related schools. Schools are invited to submit videos highlighting their programs.

As the winning school, DAYTEC receives:
• $10,000 WIX Filters donation to the school’s program
• A gift card from O’Reilly Auto Parts
• WIX Filters gear
• In-person announcement/celebration visit by Tomorrow’s Tech staff and program sponsors
• Appearance by the WIX marketing unit

“It is with great pride that we are able to recognize great programs that prepare the next generation of industry professionals for a career,” explained Tomorrow’s Technician Editor Doug Kaufman. “It is an honor to work with WIX Filters and O’Reilly Auto Parts in this difficult yet inspiring process. Final selections were made based on the compelling stories the schools told about their programs in video entries. All of the schools that participate should be commended for their dedication to developing the next generation of automotive professional. From instructors to students to administrators and advisory boards, we applaud their commitment and thank them for their participation.”

For more information, visit WIX Filters or Tomorrow's Technician.