Nixon High School junior Jacob Rodriguez has been in school every day since he was in elementary school. His commitment to being in class on a daily basis paid off when he was declared the winner of a brand new Ford Escape compliments of the Sames Auto Group through their Drive Sames for Education Perfect Attendance Incentive program.
Sixteen finalists representing Laredo ISD high schools were among those on stage hoping to win the new car on Tuesday morning at the Sames Auto Arena. Jacob was stunned when he realized he was the winner but quickly accepted the microphone to express his gratitude to the Sames Auto Group for the new car and the Laredo Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the tax, title and license. The award also comes with free drivers education classes at Nixon High compliments of Laredo ISD.
Jacob, who is the son of Jesse and Erika Rodriguez, was presented with the keys to the car following the car giveaway. “I am dedicated to having perfect attendance,” Jacob said. “I get up early, get dressed and go to school every day on time. I also had perfect attendance when I was a student at Don Jose Gallego and Memorial Middle School.”
Evelyn Sames, Chief Executive Officer for the Sames Auto Group, said the Drive Sames for Education program is celebrating its 12th anniversary. “It fills me with pride to stand here today and celebrate the impact this program continues to have,” Sames said. “This year over 1,500 students visited our showrooms with their Perfect Attendance vouchers --- a remarkable response that speaks to the dedication of our students an unwavering support of parents, teachers, and school faculty.”
“Our commitment to education is part of our legacy,” Sames. “For 115 years, we’ve believed in investing in future generations.” She also urged the students to keep learning because “education is a lifelong journey --- one that opens doors and builds a stronger future for us all.”
Also addressing the audience were Sames General Manager Jerry Resendez and Laredo Federal Credit Union CEO, Rafael Martinez. Congratulating Jacob were LISD Board of Trustees President Juan Ramirez, Jr. and LISD Superintendent Dr. Sylvia G. Rios.
Finalists from the Hector J. Garcia Early College High School included Diego Galvan, Silvestre Rodriguez, Nina Baker, and David De La Rosa.
Representing Cigarroa High School were Ernesto Flores, Reynaldo Ramos, Christopher Valdez and Daisy Bordlemay.
Perfect attendance students from J.W. Nixon High School included Jacqueline Hernandez, Mia Fe Garcia, Jacob Rodriguez, and Adriana Gomez.
Martin High School representatives included William Ojeda, Kevin Moreno, Analee Sanchez, and Juan F. Gonzalez, Jr.