Fort Irwin Teacher Wins New Car

By Sgt. David Nathaniel Beckstrom (FORSCOM)May 18, 2014

Victorville Motors Says Thank You
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Tim Watts, the Chief Operations Officer of Victorville Motors, thanks everyone for coming out and participating in the It's a Gas to Go to Class program before the semifinalists are announced. The program encourages teachers and high school students ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Irwin Teacher Won New Car
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ailene Weaver, a 2nd Grade teacher at Lewis Elementary on Fort Irwin, Calif., is excited after she won a new 2014 Dodge Dart at the 2014 It's a Gas to Go to Class program on May 17. The Program encourages teachers and high school students to strive f... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Irwin Teacher Wins New Car
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ailene Weaver, a 2nd Grade teacher at Lewis Elementary on Fort Irwin, Calif., poses with the Victorville Motors Team after she won a new 2014 Dodge Dart at the 2014 It's a Gas to Go to Class event on May 17. The Program encourages teachers and high s... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Semifinalists Await Their Keys
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The semifinalist teachers of the It's a Gas to Go to Class program, pose for a picture while they await the keys to win a new 2014 Dodge Dart. The program encourages teachers and high school students to strive for perfect attendance in school by offe... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Irwin Teacher Wins New Car

Story and photos by Sgt. David N. Beckstrom

VICTORVILLE, Calif. -- A Fort Irwin Elementary School Teacher won a car for having perfect attendance during the 2013-2014 school year. The teacher learned of her prize at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds May 17.

It's a Gas to Go to Class is a Program that encourages teachers and high school students in Southern California to strive for perfect attendance during the school year by offering prizes and incentives for staying in class. Victorville Motors, the California Teachers Association, and other sponsors donated several prizes. The biggest were three 2014 Dodge Darts.

"I never thought that I would be part of the semifinalists, much less the actual winner of the car," said Ailene Weaver, a 2nd Grade Teacher at Lewis Elementary. "I am very grateful to the different organizations that have made this possible."

Image Source of California enabled the teachers to participate in the event this year by donating one of the cars.

"We feel that the teachers don't get the recognition that they deserve for all their hard work," said Kendall Goslee, an Accounts Manager with Image Source. "Education is crucial for the future and the teachers are the ones giving it."

More than 1500 students and teachers, had perfect attendance this year; the highest eligibility since the program's inception in 2011.

Weaver proved her dedication to her class by commuting an hour to Fort Irwin every day to keep her perfect attendance record.

"I do this so that my students could have the highest quality education possible, and to motivate our community's children to do their best." said Weaver.

This event was about the education of the next generation. By having incentives for attendance, business owners of Southern California are helping mold young minds into the citizens we need tomorrow.

"This program increases graduation rates and lowers truancy numbers while also getting the children more engaged in their learning," said Tim Watts, the Chief Operating Officer of Victorville Motors.

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