Inspiring Future Professionals: Tri-State Nissan at Level Up Day
October 2025 | Winchester, Virginia: At Marlow Auto Group, community partnerships are more than a priority—they are part of who we are. Earlier this month, the team participated in Tri-State Nissan at Level Up Day, a collaborative event helping local students prepare for success beyond graduation. The event brought together businesses, educators, and community leaders who share a common goal: empowering the next generation to step confidently into adulthood.
Connecting Students with Real-World Experience
Level Up Day, hosted by John Handley High School, welcomed high school seniors for a day of interactive learning and hands-on sessions. Seniors spent the day at the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center, where more than 150 students participated in “Adulting” workshops designed to build real-life skills. The Innovation Center—home to the Professional Skills, Health Sciences, and Advanced Technologies academies—is an inspiring space dedicated to merging education with real-world application. It provided the perfect setting for students to learn from professionals who use these lessons every day.
Tri-State Nissan at Level Up Day joined several local organizations to lead senior sessions. Representatives Jorge Smith (Sales Manager), Michael Neuman (Service Manager), and Greg Strosnider (Used Car Director) spent the day teaching students about the differences in financing a new vehicle versus a used one, the benefits of purchasing a used car, and basic car maintenance. Their session focused on helping students understand not just how to buy a vehicle wisely, but also how to maintain it safely and responsibly.
Hands-On Learning with Community Leaders
Throughout the day, seniors rotated through different workshops focused on practical life skills. Students learned about managing money and understanding credit from City National Bank. They also practiced self-defense with the Winchester City Sheriff’s Office. In another workshop, students explored basic plumbing and reviewed home electrical skills with guidance from local educators.
Tri-State Nissan’s session added a valuable perspective on transportation and financial literacy—two areas that affect nearly every adult. Students explored topics like budgeting for a vehicle, comparing financing options, and identifying the most important aspects of routine car maintenance. By the end of the session, many said they felt more prepared to make informed decisions when it came time to purchase their first vehicle.
“It’s inspiring to see how engaged these students are when the lessons connect directly to their lives,” said Jorge Smith, Sales Manager at Tri-State Nissan. “Many asked smart questions about interest rates, insurance, and long-term care. You can tell they’re thinking seriously about their future—and that’s what this event is all about.”
Tri-State Nissan at Level Up Day: A Shared Commitment to Community
Events like Level Up Day reflect the strong partnerships that make the Winchester area special. From educators and business owners to local law enforcement and service professionals, each contributor brought unique expertise and enthusiasm. Together, they provided a well-rounded view of what it means to step into adulthood.
For Marlow Auto Group, the event represented something much bigger than a single day of learning. It was an opportunity to strengthen relationships with local schools, invest in young people, and demonstrate the organization’s long-standing commitment to Community and Relationships—two of its core values that guide every initiative.
Building Long-Term Connections
Tri-State Nissan’s involvement didn’t end when the workshops wrapped up. After the event, several students stayed behind to ask follow-up questions about car ownership and future career paths in the automotive industry. These conversations underscored how meaningful it can be when local businesses take time to mentor and guide students as they consider their next steps. For the Tri-State team, the experience was just as rewarding. “When you have a chance to talk with students face-to-face,” said Smith, “you realize that even a short discussion can spark interest in a career, a skill, or a goal. We’re proud to play a small part in helping them discover what’s possible.”
Celebrating Partnership and Purpose
Tri-State Nissan at Level Up Day is a reflection of collaboration in action. It takes schools committed to real-world learning, local businesses willing to give their time, and a community that believes in its young people. The enthusiasm shared by students, presenters, and teachers throughout the Innovation Center served as a reminder that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door—it continues wherever people are willing to share their knowledge and experience.
Marlow Auto Group extends sincere gratitude to the staff and leadership of John Handley High School for organizing the event, to the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center for hosting it, and to the many partners who joined in making it such a valuable day for local students. To learn more about the programs and initiatives happening at John Handley High School, visit their website at https://www.wps.k12.va.us/jhhs.
Invested in the Next Generation
As part of Marlow Auto Group’s ongoing dedication to supporting the communities we serve, events like Tri-State Nissan at Level Up Day offer a powerful way to connect with students while promoting life skills, confidence, and shared values. Events like Tri-State Nissan at Level Up Day help young people prepare for their future and reflect our belief that strong communities are built through relationships, mentorship, and opportunity. More than a workshop, Level Up Day was a moment of shared purpose—a chance to show students that their local community is cheering them on as they take their next steps toward adulthood.
Learn more about Marlow Auto Group’s involvement in local schools, nonprofits, and community programs in 2025. Visit our 2025 In the Community page.
