Eight District Five students in the running for local dealership’s ‘Raise the Bar Win a Car’ giveaway
June 15, 2015
IRMO, SC – Good grades and school attendance could soon pay off for one of eight students from Lexington-Richland School District Five in the running to win a new car through a local car dealership’s giveaway program.
Jim Hudson Toyota in Irmo will give away a brand new Scion xB to one rising senior as part of its new Raise the Bar Win a Car campaign. To qualify, students had to possess “an exceptional attendance history with no more than three unexcused absences and tardies, a flawless behavioral record, substantial school involvement and at least a 3.0 grade point average.” The final drawing will be held at the dealership on June 19.
The car giveaway is aimed at rewarding students for excelling in school, providing incentive to underclassmen and giving back to the community, said Jim Hudson Toyota General Manager Nathan Ellison.
“I came up with the idea [of the Scion giveaway] just trying to get involved with the community, to have something to give back and to be a blessing for somebody,” said Ellison, who hopes to continue the program next year. “Showing people you care about them and trying to make an impact in somebody’s life…that’s what I’m motivated by.”
Finalists in the drawing from District Five include: Connor Anthony (Chapin High), Eli Horner (Chapin High), Krista Leonard (Dutch Fork High), Kinsey Meggett (Dutch Fork High), Kevin Cummings (Irmo High), Sarah Vanlue (Irmo High), Magen Copeland (Spring Hill High) and Mae Louise Sparrow (Spring Hill High). Students from Columbia High, Lexington High and River Bluff High schools are also finalists.
For students like Irmo High School’s Sarah Vanlue and Dutch Fork High School’s Krista Leonard, waiting for the June 19 drawing just might be the hardest part of the contest.
“I’m excited…can’t wait,” said Vanlue, who dreams of taking the car out for afternoon drives and to college next year. “Right now I share a car with my dad to get to work. I think everyone in my family is routing for me to win…it will be all mine.”
Leonard, who wears roller skates for her summer job at a fast food restaurant, also hopes she’ll be the pick for the brand new “set of wheels.”
“It would be an upgrade for sure from the wheels I have on now,” said Leonard, donning skates during her shift. “I’m saving for college so a new car would definitely help. I am excited, but I don’t mind the waiting that much because I didn’t think I’d make it into the 14 finalists. So, it’s exciting whether I win or not.”
