As if graduating high school was not enough reason for Lakes Community High senior Elizabeth Snyder to celebrate this month, the 17-year-old will be leaving school with a new car won in a drawing sponsored by a local dealership.
On Friday during graduation rehearsal, Snyder stood up from her seat and cupped one hand to her mouth in disbelief after hearing her name called via a live stream from the Raymond Chevrolet car dealership in Antioch, where the first Drive for Education drawing was held in the presence of Superintendent Jeff Feucht.
Her name was randomly picked from about 110 Community High School District 117 seniors from Lakes and Antioch community high schools.
The teen wiped a tear from her face and smiled for pictures for school officials who wanted to capture the moment.
“I was kind of praying I would win, and then I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I’m still shaking.”
The drawing is part of a new program that rewards cum laude distinction and contributions to the community. It’s the brainchild of Raymond Chevrolet and Kia owner Mark Scarpelli, a D117 graduate.
The idea for the giveaway had been a dream for some time, he said. So last year, Scarpelli decided to reach out to district officials to see what they thought of it.
There was shock and disbelief, and then a lot of enthusiasm, he said.
The family-owned business has been in the community for more than 65 years.
“This and the surrounding towns have been wonderful to me and my family,” Scarpelli said. “Our heart is big for our community and I’m happy to give back.”
As a bonus, he also gave the winner a Hot Wheels toy and a $500 gas card.
The eligibility criteria for the program included maintaining exemplary behavior throughout the school year, showcasing school spirit by participating in at least four extracurricular activities and contributing 40 hours of volunteer work, along with earning cum laude status.
“This event is not just about rewarding academic and personal growth,” Feutch said. “It’s about motivating our students to drive toward their futures with confidence and purpose.
“We are grateful to Raymond Chevrolet Kia for providing this opportunity for one of our students,” he said.
Immediately after winning, Snyder called her mother Amy. It took her a few seconds to process the news and then she cried, her daughter said.
Snyder said her academic journey has been challenging at times.
Her freshman year was during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
“It was horrible,” she said.
Snyder’s sophomore and junior years were in a bit of recovery mode, and it wasn’t until senior year that she “pushed herself” to get the academic distinction and also meet the rest of the requirements for the Driving for Education program.
Drawing from her firsthand experience with Snyder, school counselor Calysta Gargano said the student went after her goals with gusto and it was a pleasure to see her grow throughout her high school years.
“She is a really passionate kid; always been invested in herself,” Gargano said. “She’s so deserving of this.”
Amy Snyder said her daughter won’t be able to complain that she’s unlucky, as she does during family game nights, now that she’s won a new vehicle.
Elizabeth Snyder gets to choose her car from either the Kia or Chevrolet dealership. Kias are too “boxy” for her taste, so she said she’ll be looking for a Chevy. She’d like one in yellow or white.
Elizabeth said since she already has a car, she may give the new one to her younger brother, who will soon be driving. However, her parents said that is a decision for another day.
