An East High School junior won a new Jeep Renegade from Lithia on Tuesday afternoon, but she can't even drive it. Sixteen-year-old Kendra Nethery made it clear she has her learner's permit. Now Kendra has extra incentive to earn her Alaska driver's license. She says she wants to take her new wheels on the road this summer for fun outdoor activities, especially camping.
"I plan to do a driving class so I can get discounts on insurance and such," said Nethery.
The event, "Drive for Perfect Attendance," featured five randomly selected Anchorage School District juniors and seniors who didn't miss a day of school this year. These students were five of 384 district-wide. Each of them randomly drew a key — four of which didn't start a car and one that did. "I'm very, very pleased," said Kendra's mother, Tina Nethery. "She's been on the honor roll since fifth grade. And she's still on the honor roll." Tina reports Kendra has had perfect school attendance since her freshman year.
"(Attendance) is so important to me because it looks really good on job applications and college applications," said Kendra. "I don't have a whole lot better to do so, why not? Go to school. Do what you're supposed to do. Plus, if you get a day behind in school, you're like a week behind. Let's make it easy on myself and not miss a day."
Upon graduation next year Kendra hopes to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks to pursue a biology degree. Ultimately she wants to become a veterinarian.