Earlier this year a program was developed with the intended goal of rewarding high school students who excel academically and strive to make good life choices. As a result of a partnership between Mansfield Motor Group (MMG) and Richland Source the MMG Student Citizen Program was launched in October.
As a program designed to make a positive difference for students, it makes sense to check in and see how things are going. The first stop for the MMG car was Clear Fork High School.
Rick Beans, the guidance counselor at Clear Fork High School, said, ”This is a great incentive for students. It was very interesting to see how many students were interested in participating. You could just see how proud they were when they realized they qualified and were able to participate. This really shows them that making the right choices in life can be very rewarding.”
Approximately 14 senior students from Clear Fork are participating in the program.
The program is designed to encourage and highlight students who actively making healthy life choices and bring awareness to the dangers of texting and driving.
Julia Adams, a senior says that since she began participating in the program she feels she has become more aware of her behavior and choices.
“I never did text and drive before I signed up but I really am more aware of friends who do and try to discourage them. I think it is making me a better driver, more cautious about speed limit too,” said Adams.
She also added that she is much more aware of other choices that involve things like school and attendance and not wanting to get any detentions. Adams stated that if she is lucky enough to win she would definitely choose the car.
Also participating in the program is Clear Fork senior Matt Kochheiser who also said he never really did text and drive before signing up either and since has become more aware of others who do.
“Being apart of this program has really reinforced my driving habits. When I am behind the wheel I am more careful. I feel I have become a better, safer driver,” said Kohheiser. He added, ”It’s an honor to just be able to participate. There are so many qualified students who are participating.”
As explained by MMG President Dirk Schluter the goal of the program is to motivate students, ”Just as important, or possibly more importantly, it will encourage students to make the right choices in life and realize it’s not always just about grades but citizenship, as well,” he said.
Clear Fork Prinicpal Brian Brown praised the program by saying, ”I appreciate what MMG is doing with this program. Stepping up in such a way and making that acknowledgment of students who strive to do better.”
“Our role [at Richland Source] is to make high school seniors aware of the opportunity to win a new car and, more importantly, give them the information, tools and motivation to make good life decisions during their senior year in high school,” said Publisher Jay Allred.
The grand prize winner will be determined at the mock crash event scheduled in April 2014 and will be held at the Richland County Fairgrounds. The winner will have the choice of either a brand new Nissan Versa Sedan valued up to $12,780 or they may choose a $10,000 scholarship.
“When I am behind the wheel I am more careful. I feel I have become a better, safer driver,” said senior Matt Kohheiser. He added, ”It’s an honor to just be able to participate. There are so many qualified students who are participating.”
