In a city where youth's achievements often get overshadowed by bigger headlines, an uplifting tale has emerged from the heart of New Orleans. Jonathan Vazquez, a 17-year-old graduate from Morris Jeff High School, won a new 2025 Toyota Corolla LE, simply by doing one thing consistently: showing up. Out of 60 students with immaculate attendance, Vazquez snagged the prize in a random raffle, his reward for persistence and dedication.
These students were lauded not just for their presence but for the example they set. NOLA Public Schools and the Premier Automotive Group have been rewarding this brand of steadfastness for 19 years, offering tangible incentives for students to stick it out, day in and day out. "I felt my heart pounding, nervousness, and it was exciting," Vazquez told NOLA Public Schools. He represents a bright spot in a system often bogged down by truancy and dropout rates, a shining example of what commitment can bring.
This giveaway isn't a one-off deal, it's a tradition almost two decades in the making. Since its inception, over 750 students have seen the program's benefits, and this year, the rewards went beyond the gleam of a new car. Each finalist left with a swag bag that included a $100 Amazon gift card and had the chance at additional monetary gifts and vehicle upgrades. It's a communal tip of the hat to youths that could have chosen ease but decided to honor their educational journey, daily.
Local leadership backs this investment wholeheartedly. Dr. Fateama Fulmore, Superintendent of NOLA-PS, encapsulated the sentiment when giving thanks to those who made the event possible. “This annual event is a highlight for our seniors with perfect attendance records, and the chance to win a brand-new car is a remarkable way to honor their dedication to learning,” she said as per NOLA Public Schools. During the event, OPSB members didn't just applaud – they opened their wallets, personally donating $3,205 to cover the taxes, registration fees and the first year of car insurance for the lucky winner.
