TALLMADGE, Ohio - On Tuesday morning, one lucky Tallmadge High School graduating senior will win a $17,000 2017 Ford Festiva, with 7 miles on it.
A ticket will be drawn for the winning senior at about 11 a.m. at the annual senior-class breakfast at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls.
"This is just a huge thing for the seniors," said Michael Householder, Tallmadge High principal. "It culminates the end of the year."
The contest, now in its eighth year, is sponsored by Park Ford in Tallmadge, which donates the car, and pays the taxes and title on the vehicle.
"It's a true give-away," said Tracy Seery of Park Ford. "We really try to do what we can to help."
Here's how it works: All graduating seniors get a ticket in the drawing. They can earn more tickets throughout the year by getting high GPAs, volunteering, being on time for school and doing good things in the classroom.
Some years the winning students have been in real need, with broken-down cars or a need for transportation to college, Householder said. One year, a student won with a single ticket in the drawing.
Seniors are working so hard to earn the tickets this year, and the school is printing more today to go in the bin, he said.
Park Ford also hosts two fundraising drives each year to raise money for the senior class. During the 4 Your School events, residents test drive vehicles at the high school for cash. Ford Motor Company pays $20 per test-drive form filled out after a drive, and an additional $10 if the driver also tests a Ford Focus. Ford pays out up to $6,000 per event.
Since the drives started, through Ford the dealership has contributed nearly $100,000 to Tallmadge senior classes, Householder said.
"They've really been a great partner," he said. "I hope they continue."
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