Blackfoot freshman wins car for perfect school attendance
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WATCH THE CAR GIVEAWAY IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE.
BLACKFOOT – Going to school every day for the past year paid off in a big way for Matthew Yancey.
The 15-year-old Blackfoot High School freshman won a car Wednesday during a drawing in front of the entire student body.
“I had perfect attendance this year and I’m glad I did,” a beaming Yancey told EastIdahoNews.com from the driver’s seat of his newly acquired 2007 Ford Focus.
Blackfoot High School Principal Roger Thomas came up with the idea for the car giveaway last fall after Superintendent Brian Kress issued a challenge to principals to increase attendance.
“Mr. Kress approached 20th Century Ford and asked if they would donate a car,” Thomas said. “They agreed, and attendance has gone up — it’s been a huge success.”
Since September, every student has received an entry ticket each week they had perfect attendance. In the end, some 6,000 tickets ended up in the drawing for the car valued at $6,000.
“We want to support our local school district and show that we care,” said Jeff Katseanes, service manager for 20th Century Ford.
The entire student body gathered on the football field Wednesday morning as Katseanes and Thomas drew the winner’s name. One by one, those who didn’t win were eliminated and Yancey was the last student standing.
“I just got my license and I’m so excited,” he said. “It pays off to go to school.”
