DRIVEN to EXCEL
LOREN BENOIT/Press Timberlake High grad Kenzie Dean drew the key that unlocked a 2019 Chevy Cruze given away by Knudtsen Chevrolet Thursday. The five local graduates became finalists to win the car when their name was drawn from their all-night, alcohol-free graduation parties.
Attendees watch as students from Post Falls, Lake City, Coeur d'Alene, and Timberlake high schools are presented with keys to unlock a 2019 Chevy Cruze Thursday at Knudsten Chevrolet's car giveaway and 80th anniversary celebration. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
Timberlake High grad Kenzie Dean drew the winning key for this 2019 Chevy Cruze at Knudtsen's car giveaway and 80th anniversary party. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
POST FALLS — Kenzie Dean increased her college savings and won a red hot 2019 Chevy Cruze with a single turn of a key on Thursday night.
The Timberlake High graduate won the car valued at $19,995 during Knudtsen Chevrolet's annual community celebration and 80th anniversary party.
"I'm so shocked and grateful," said a beaming Dean, moments after unlocking the car to find out she was the lucky winner. "I'll take good care of it. That's my new baby."
This is the sixth year that the dealership has given a new car to an eligible lucky local graduate of either Post Falls, Lake City, Coeur d'Alene, Lakeland or Timberlake high schools.
The grads become eligible for the car if their name is drawn from attending their school's all-night, alcohol-free graduation party. With the giveaway, the business partners with parents of the schools who organize the parties.
"The goal is to encourage seniors to celebrate safely during this special night," said Eve Knudtsen, owner at Knudtsen Chevrolet.
Dean said she plans to sell her 2012 Chevy Equinox, keep that money for college and treasure her new ride.
She plans to play volleyball at Lewis-Clark State College and major in nursing.
Dean said she never imagined she'd win a new car.
"This is all so surreal," said Dean, who is working this summer as a babysitter.
Dean's mother, Kristen, said Kenzie has persevered after her father Rob died of a heart attack more than a year ago.
"She's never stopped pushing forward, never been deterred off her path," Kristen said. "Her strength is an inspiration to me. She's always been so driven and focused on her goals and dreams."
Kenzie and Kristen said the gift from Knudtsen Chevrolet shows its commitment to the community.
"This will be a huge catapult for her," Kristin said of her daughter.
The car with jet black interior features OnStar, which provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, emergency services, hands-free calling and turn-by-turn navigation.
The drawing's other finalists — Post Falls' Nathan Risdon, Lake City's Emma Benz, Lakeland's Emily Grove and Coeur d'Alene's Chelsea Marek-Bence — were given MacBook Air laptop computers.
Dean was the second student behind Benz to attempt to unlock the Cruze with her key.
Guests at the celebration enjoyed a free barbecue dinner, soft drinks and music by the Bill Bozly Band.
"Knudtsen Chevrolet looks forward to this celebration every year," Knudtsen said. "We feel it’s a great way to bring the community together and have a fun time. Everyone walks away a winner."