ELYRIA — For teenagers, high school graduation is what many live for after four long years, and few things are better.
But Amelia Jackson, who leaped from her seat upon hearing her name, experienced something just as exciting, if not more, on Saturday evening: She graduated from Elyria High School and won a brand-new 2010 Hyundai Accent.
“I thought graduation was good, but now I’m not sure because I won this car,” said the 17-year-old Elyria resident. “When I heard my name, I was like, ‘Oh my, God!’ ”
The car, which Amelia will pick up Monday, was provided by Elyria Hyundai and costs the new graduate nothing.
“I’m taking care of the tax, title and everything,” said Colin J. MacLean, president of Elyria Hyundai. “I’m just saying, ‘Come get the keys and it is yours.’ ”
This is the first year Elyria Hyundai gave away a car to a graduating senior. The idea stemmed from the goal of giving back to the community, MacLean said.
“What is better to give a student that is doing all the right things?” he said.
