By Greg Halbleib and Susan Saunders
NORMAL – A U-High student is the owner of a new Mitsubishi as part of an annual safe driving incentive program for teenagers.
During Wednesday night’s Tri-County Operation Cool finale at Normal West High School, one student from each of the 19 participating schools were invited on stage to try their key to start a 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport in Rally Red. Each finalist received $100, but after 18 of the 19 keys tried didn’t start the vehicle, David “Alex” Morris of U-High was able to put the last key in and win.
State Farm And Mitsubishi motors have been sponsored of this event since it was created. After the announcement of the closing of the MMNA plant in Normal, the company still made a final $20,000 cash donation towards the purchase of this vehicle. Radio Bloomington’s Susan Saunders MC’d while volunteers and sponsors for this safe driving incentive program gave away 240 prizes ranging from gift certificates to laptop computers before the grand prize finale.
Jim Collins spoke to the gathering about the life of his son, Michael Collins, who was killed by a drunk driver. At one point he told the crowd he looks for signs that Micheal is watching over him. He was surprised to learn that it was the 19th annual event, with 19 schools attending, while Michael’s number on the baseball field was #19. At the end of the evening, the 19th contestant to try for the vehicle was the winner.
Learn more about the program at Operationcool.com .
