NOLA-PS Graduate with Perfect Attendance Wins New 2022 Toyota Corolla LE at Premier Stay in School Event

44 recent high school graduates were eligible for the drawing

(New Orleans – (May 24, 2022) – For the 16^th year in a row, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) and Premier Automotive Group awarded a brand-new car, courtesy of Toyota of New Orleans, to a recent high school graduate with perfect attendance. To date, more than 750 students have participated in this annual event.

This year, a 2022 Toyota Corolla LE was awarded to Kachand Jenkins, a graduate of Livingston Collegiate Academy High School. Jenkins is headed to college to pursue a degree in biology from Prairie View A&M University.

"On behalf of NOLA-PS, I'd like to thank Troy Duhon, the Premier Automotive family, and all the sponsors for their partnership and generosity," said NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. "Every year our seniors with perfect attendance look forward to this event. The opportunity to compete for a new car is a fantastic reward for their commitment to their education. It truly highlights their work ethic and dedication for showing up every single day. We're proud of them and every one of them is a winner."

The 44 finalists were invited to Toyota of New Orleans for the final drawing on Tuesday, May 24. All students with perfect attendance were eligible for monetary donations and swag bags provided by Troy Duhon, founder and president of Premier Automotive, along with All-Star Electric, Mobile-One Auto Sound, and Greg and Kristin Swanson Insurance Agency who graciously agreed to cover 6 months of vehicle insurance for the winner.

"This event is very important to me personally. I want to be part of the solution to keep kids in school," said Troy Duhon, founder and president of Premier Automotive. "During the last 16 years, we have awarded several hundred outstanding high school seniors with new cars and/or scholarships. Hopefully, we have inspired them to succeed in life."

"I was very excited to see so many wonderful students and parents here today to celebrate something fantastic," said Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) member Leila Eames. "Perfect attendance during COVID is very difficult, I'm sure. But the commitment these students had and the commitment that their parents had warms my heart."

"I would like for all our students to see this event and commit to being present," said OPSB member Nolan Marshall. "Being present is the beginning of success and is the key to life. It's a great lesson for our students - show up and do your best."

"This year, 44 seniors did not miss a day of school," said OPSB member Ethan Ashley. "Congratulations to all the eligible seniors! The chance to win this brand-new car proves that your hard work and dedication is paying off."

### 

About NOLA Public Schools: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district's administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 76 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr.

For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.