Baldwin High School, Steel Center students give local man's van a Steelers-inspired makeover

A couple of football seasons ago, Bob Collet was tailgating at a Steelers game with his 1999 Dodge Ram van. Collet’s son-in-law suggested that it would be nice if the van was black and gold in keeping with the Steelers’ spirit.

Karen Brown, a member of the Baldwin-Whitehall School Board, was also present and mentioned that students at Baldwin High School participate in a vocational training program at Steel Center for Career and Technical Education. She suggested it might be a project they would like to take on.

Earlier this year, Collet connected with Patrick Canavan at The Steel Center, who saw that the van would be a great chance for students to hone their skills and show their regional pride.

“This project has allowed students to practice their skills of refinishing and applying new coatings on a surface. The van has been a great project for all students to learn,” Canavan said. “It is so big, we have had a lot of students teaming up and collaborating to get this complete.”

Under the direction of Canavan and with the help of Baldwin High School students Joseph Edwards, Brandon Marryott, Jacob Shanner, Benjamin Willis and Sajan Biswa, among others, the project was nearing completion in March when covid-19 brought shutdowns — including Baldwin High School and Steel Center. With the beginning of the school year, work on the project resumed.

Collet couldn’t wait to see his van and get back to cheering on the Steelers.

“It’s a classic van getting turned into a classic for tailgating. It will really stand out,” he said.

Due to the pandemic, the van will have to wait for its inaugural tailgate. However, Collet does plan to christen it with a small gathering at his home — perhaps, he joked, he’ll host a black and gold tie affair.