NICEVILLE, Fla. — A Niceville High School graduate is accelerating toward a professional career in motorsports after completing technical training with the Okaloosa County School District and earning a coveted racing internship opportunity.
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The Okaloosa County School District announced that Jackson Shirey, a graduate of Niceville High School and the Automotive Technology program at Okaloosa Technical College, has continued to build on his early passion for the automotive and racing industries.
Shirey first enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Okaloosa Technical College during his junior and senior years of high school. After graduating, he returned as an adult student to complete the program.
He finished as an ASE Master Certified Technician, a designation reflecting advanced technical knowledge and hands-on expertise.
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Continuing his education, Mr Shirey enrolled at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
While attending UNF, he serves as treasurer of the university’s Formula SAE racing team. In that role, Shirey helped negotiate a $100,000 partnership between UNF Racing and the Brumos Collection, according to the school district.
District officials said the achievement highlights his ability to connect industry, education, and motorsports.
Most recently, Mr Shirey was accepted into the SPARK Internship Program, also known as Students Preserving American Racing Knowledge. The program provides hands-on experience with professional racing teams.
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He will intern with Lone Star Racing during the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, one of North America’s premier sports car endurance races.
According to the Okaloosa County School District, Shirey’s path from local high school student to aspiring professional in the racing world demonstrates what can be achieved through persistence, education, and passion.
