Cibola junior wins perfect attendance car

It was definitely cool for Rahel Alenayehu to stay in school this year. Alenayehu, a junior at Cibola High School, is the lucky winner of a brand new 2009 Chevrolet Aveo.
 
She kept perfect attendance this year at school, and was therefore eligible to win the car during a drawing at Fisher Chevrolet on 32nd St.
 
Dozens of high school students from all of the local campuses with perfect attendance were hoping to win the car, but Mayor Larry Nelson could only pick one ticket, and that was Alenayehu's.
 
"I feel great," said Alenayehu. "I can't wait to drive it."
 
Alenayehu said she kept perfect attendance on purpose just to win the car.
 
"I did think going to school every day would get me a car and I'm so happy. I've never missed a day because I was committed and I wanted the car. Sometimes I did not want to go, but I made myself and it paid off."
 
Alenayehu doesn't have her driver's license yet, so she will have to wait to drive it.
 
"I can't get my license until June 24th when I turn 18, but that is not that long."
 
Joe Fisher, owner of the dealership, said he has been doing the car giveaway for the last five years to keep local students attending high school on a regular basis.
 
"The first year we did it, perfect attendance went up about 600 percent, and near perfect attendance went up about 1,000 percent. This helps the schools because they are paid by each day a student is in school, so they make more money when a student attends more often. 
 
"It also helps the student because they get a better education, and they learn about how important attendance is in life. If you don't attend your job, you will lose your job."
 
Fisher said the car giveaway is his favorite event of the year.
 
"This is the best event we do. It is a great community event and is supported by the city and county and schools are all behind it. It just feels right to do it, and it makes a difference."
 
Fisher said he plans to give another car away next year.
 
"I encourage all students to strive for perfect attendance because they'll have a chance to win a car or any of the other prizes we offer."

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Chris McDaniel can be reached at cmcdaniel@yumasun.com or 539-6849.