HomeFeaturesPhoto Essay: Interesting and uncommon eye-catching student cars in OH lots
Cars of three students lined up side-by-side; Leftmost car is Owen Doughtery’s Mini Cooper, in the middle is James Creighton’s Nissan 370z, and rightmost is Charles Weglarz’s Oldsmobile 98. Credit: David Ballines, 42Fifty
For a lot of OH students, their cars are their self-expression. It is not just about using it to go to school and/or work, but rather a way to show their interests and personality with the growth of unique car trends. OH has its fair share of students’ unique cars roaming both paved parking lots and the gravel lot.
Cars are chosen to suit a wide variety of preferences, such as having “a whole lotta charm and a good tow capacity with good fuel mileage,” as OH junior Dean Mathis said for his ‘08 Ford Ranger.
Though many cars may fall under the same categories, plenty will stand out as having what other vehicles may not. This can range from being a higher-end trim level, having outrageous interior space, a fun color, customization, better safety, or being a discontinued vehicle brand entirely.
“[My car] is all black and very cool looking and there are lots of silly trinkets inside,” said OH senior Laynie DeLap.
Below, 10 OH student cars are featured for their unique qualities.
Pictured is OH junior Jace Dobyns’ ‘87 Buick Riviera. Though rare to see it around, the Riviera is by far the oldest car we have been informed of owned by a student here at OH. Emphasizing the luxury of this car during its time, Dobyns said that the Riviera is the “first car to ever come with a touchscreen from [the] factory.” Credit: Jase Dobyns, OH juniorPictured is OH junior Charlie Weglarz’s ‘92 Oldsmobile 98. The second oldest of the cars featured in this photo essay, its pristine condition is highly impressive along with its nostalgic looks. Thanks to the garage-kept care this car had received, Weglarz said “It’s definitely a good daily, but they’re hard to come by [in good condition].” Credit: Charlie Weglarz, OH juniorPictured is OH junior James Creighton’s ‘12 Nissan 370z. A well-known car among enthusiasts, the 370z stands out amongst the cars in OH. The black cherry metallic paint job gives this Nissan hints of “brown, purple, red, [and] black. It just depends on the [lighting],” said Creighton. Credit: James Creighton, OH juniorPictured is OH junior John Collins ‘04 Saturn Vue. A discontinued General Motors line of cars well known for their horizontal headlights, Collins’ car displays a vibrant blue, an unusual color compared to more commonly picked ones. Being one of very few Saturn cars at OH, Collins’ said “It’s a great car, [just not] super flashy.” Credit: Ariel Raygoza, 42FiftyPictured is Nick Dillon’s ‘15 Dodge Charger SXT. A very well-known make and model, Nick’s charger definitely stands out among other OH student cars. Knowing the engine power and design are what many enjoy from this car, Nick suggests this car to those who are “looking to get a car and maybe want something a bit on the nicer side.” Credit: Ariel Raygoza, 42FiftyPictured is Jase Dobyns’ ‘96 Suzuki X-90. Notable for its unique proportions compared to most cars in Oswego, Dobyns’ X-90 is more than what meets the eye. With a chalkboard hood, more customizations, and a TikTok page, Dobyns said he “takes it to a lot of car shows.” Credit: David Ballines, 42Fifty
Pictured is OH senior Cody Crisp’s ‘05 Pontiac Grand Prix. Another discontinued car manufacturer due to the 2008 Recession, Crisp’s Grand Prix stands out with sportiness and a clean look. With the high horsepower (ranging from 200-303 hp) and his enjoyment of the headlights, Crisp needed only three words to describe his car: “Reliable and fun.” Credit: Cody Crisp, OH senior
Pictured is Owen Dougherty’s ‘17 Mini Cooper. A smaller car compared to most and one of two Mini Coopers within OH, the eye-catching orange of Dougherty’s car helps make this car stand out. Though many would not assume much from a base model, This Mini Cooper has plenty going for it. “The interior is pretty nice, it handles really well and has really good visibility,” said Dougherty. Credit: David Ballines, 42Fifty.Pictured is Cole and Aidan Gaston’s ‘14 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Having the biggest engine of all students here at OH, this truck certainly has its strengths in horsepower and engine noise. Along with said noise, Cole Gaston said it is “definitely a neighbor waker, but [they have] loved this truck since the day [they] got it.” Credit: David Ballines, 42FiftyPictured is Carter Carson’s ‘13 Ford Fiesta ST. Sporty hatchbacks are what this call would fall under for a category, and it certainly stands out more with a blue paint job accentuated by the rims and lights. With fun and practicality in mind, this hatchback is “a fun car to drive in…and it’s quick,” said Carson. Credit: Carter Carson, OH senior
I am a 1st year Staff editor for 42Fifty, a senior at Oswego High School. I know plenty that I wish to share with all, but most will remain as is for the meanwhile. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
This is my second year as a staff reporter for 42Fifty and I'm a Senior. You can contact me by emailing 42FIfty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!!
[…] OH continue to share interesting and uncommon cars, with a returning student from 42Fifty’s previous photo feature. In addition to showcasing cars, experiences can be as important as the car […]
[…] Note: A related photo essay on eye-catching student vehicles is also published in the Features section this […]
[…] OH continue to share interesting and uncommon cars, with a returning student from 42Fifty’s previous photo feature. In addition to showcasing cars, experiences can be as important as the car […]