UISD launched its premiere perfect attendance initiative at the Kia Showroom with students, sponsors and school officials celebrating the program's positive impact on education.
For 11 years now, one high school student has won a drawing for a new vehicle at graduation time. This year the Sames Auto Group will provide one brand new 2025 Kia Sportage LX in the "Drive Sames for Education" program.
The "never be absent" initiative is an important component of the district's strategy for academic excellence as it strives to continue its A-rating streak, with the 5th A-rating already projected by TEA raw data. All four UISD high schools are also projected to be A-rated.
Every year, students are a big part of the Kia partnership launch, with representatives from all the high schools coming to perform for the attendees, Alexander Bulldogs, Johnson Wolves, United Longhorns and United South Panthers showed spirit with cheerleaders, dancers, and the beloved mascots! Providing the music was the award winning drumline from Alexander High School under the direction of Joshua Martinez and Armando Blanco.
Attending this year's event were UISD Board Members Frank Castillo and Secretary Michelle Molina, and the district's new Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz spoke at his first UISD Kia partnership event.
Everyone took the opportunity to thank the entire Sames Auto Group for generously providing this great incentive for students to attend school daily.
Sames Kia General Manager Jerry Resendez spoke on behalf of the entire team stating that the real benefit for students was being in class every day learning from their teachers, and that is their biggest satisfaction.
The district also thanked the other sponsors, the Laredo Federal Credit Union which covers tax, title and license fees for the winner, and A&K World Class Driving School, which provides a free driving course. Chick-fil-A also provides free food to three finalists for an entire year.
Studies have shown that there is a direct link between student success and student attendance. UISD students who are enrolled in any of the district's four high schools from grades 9-12 are eligible to participate in the program. They must be enrolled in at least three classes by the Monday of the nine week period.
The "never be absent" vouchers are distributed to qualifying students at their respective campuses every nine weeks. After being filled out, students must visit the Kia showroom to remit their entries.
Those who achieve perfect attendance per each nine week period will have four chances to submit contest vouchers throughout the school year. All the names are entered into drawings at each high school to determine the 16 finalists at the conclusion of the academic year. The winner of the Kia Sportage is selected in an exciting ceremony to take place just before the first UISD graduation of 2025.
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