MONTAGUE — Montague students Mallorie Taiplaus and Abby Thommen were the big winners Friday, each driving home cars from the school’s Ride with Pride award ceremony.
Prizes this year ranged from Stanley cups with local and chain gift cards, to a $1,000 check from Lakeshore Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - but all eyes were on the two used cars, one of which was donated by Twin Cities Auto Sales and the other by Scheid Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.
Five students’ names were drawn for each of the cars and each was given a wrapped package. Inside the package was either candy or the keys to that car.
Ride with Pride was adopted by Montague Schools after it was introduced and showed successful results elsewhere in the Muskegon area. It is described as a “partnership between law enforcement, schools and generous community sponsors coming together to encourage safe behaviors and acknowledge the kids who are making positive choices.” It was first implemented by Mona Shores in 2012 and quickly made its way to Montague.
The program is mainly aimed at teens, high school grades 9-12. At the beginning of the school year, students sign a pledge, vowing not to participate in the use of drugs and alcohol. If students fulfill their pledge throughout the school year, their name is entered into the prize drawing.
