CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A Kirkwood High student won a brand-new Toyota Corolla Saturday during the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System’s annual Pass and Go event, which recognizes students who earned qualifying scores on Advanced Placement exams.
Held at Wyatt Johnson Toyota, the event rewarded students who scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam during the past school year. Eligible students who registered and attended had the chance to win the new Toyota Corolla, along with other prizes including laptops, iPads, AirPods and more.
Before the prize drawings began, CMCSS Director of Schools Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder spoke about the district’s continued growth. She shared that in 2022, students took about 1,900 AP exams, with 981 earning passing scores for a 50% pass rate. This year, students took 2,313 AP exams, with 1,163 earning passing scores for an overall pass rate of 73%.
Wyatt Johnson Toyota General Manager Nick Butuc congratulated the students on their accomplishments before the drawings began. “You should be very proud of your accomplishments and what you’ve done to achieve this and to make it here today,” Butuc said. “Good luck in today’s drawing and good luck to you guys in your future endeavors.”
Following the event, Butuc said supporting students and education has remained an important tradition for the dealership. He said the goal is to help students begin the next stage of life with one less financial burden, especially as many prepare for college and its expenses. He encouraged students to work hard and succeed academically.
Winner still working on driver’s permit
The grand prize winner was Lilah Sullivan, an incoming junior at Kirkwood High School. Sullivan said she was surprised when her name was called and admitted she was not expecting to win the vehicle. “I don’t have a permit,” she said with a laugh, adding that she originally attended hoping to win one of the laptop prizes.
Sullivan qualified for the drawing after taking AP Government, her first AP course. When asked what advice she would give students preparing for their first AP exam, Sullivan encouraged them to study and prepare for the test.
In addition to Wyatt Johnson Toyota and Hudson Automotive, sponsors included City Wide Facility Solutions, Zaxby’s, Jostens, Beach Oil, Google and the CMCSS Education Foundation.
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