PORTLAND Secondary College's Beat the Heat program celebrates its first year over a delicious lunch and words of acknowledgement.

Eight students have been part of the program, which introduces safer driving through car maintenance.

Each student received a certificate from teacher and Beat the Heat mentor Matt Powell, who thanked them for participating in the program and a few of those who supported the program.

Mr Powell said he wanted to thank the students for giving the program a red-hot-go.

“The School Focused Youth Service actually gave us a grant of $8000 to help facilitate and build that program up for you guys, so we need to thank that organisations broker,” he said.

“We need to thank Miss Paulette if you see her, she’s constantly been in and out helping you guys and being that extra staff member.

“Peter, thank you for your participation and we wouldn’t have been able to get the vehicles in for these guys to work on without you, so we do appreciate the support you’ve provided.

“Ash, I don’t think this program could have run without you (…) so thanks a lot mate.”

When the program began, the shed located beside the school’s bus stop was filled “wall to wall” with chairs and tables but is now shelter for a car of which the boys can fiddle with.

 The program was introduced by Victorian police and aims to reduce illegal street racing by capturing young people’s interest in motorsport by teaching them mechanical skills.

The PSC students are comfortable with their mentors and the environment.