Laredo ISD students are putting perfect attendance in the driver’s seat as the district joins Sames Auto Group for the 14th Annual Drive Sames 4 Education Perfect Attendance Incentive Program. The program officially kicked off at the Sames Chevrolet Auto Showroom, marking another year of encouraging high school students to make every school day count.
Through the Drive Sames 4 Education program, eligible students from Cigarroa, Garcia Early College, Martin, and Nixon High Schools have the opportunity to win a brand new 2027 Chevrolet Trax. The Chevy Trax will come at no charge to the student or their family and will include the tax, title, and license sponsored by the Laredo Federal Credit Union. The purpose of the program is to motivate, monitor, and promote attendance at each high school.
LISD will be distributing color-coded vouchers to all four high schools. When the nine-week periods are over, high school students with perfect attendance will hand-deliver the signed vouchers to Sames Motor Company. Cigarroa High School and Garcia Early College High School students may also turn them in at the Sames location on the Zapata Highway.
“We're here not only to celebrate our students and the importance of daily school attendance, but also to recognize and witness a profound act of community stewardship. True stewardship is the choice to pour our resources into a purpose greater than ourselves,” LISD Assistant Superintendent for Finance Flor Ayala said. “This vehicle is a life-changing prize. It has completely energized our student body and sparked a vital conversation about the power of showing up to school every day. To the Sames Family: we send our deepest gratitude and continuous blessings to you. By embedding your lives and your resources into our schools, you are showing our students what it looks like to live with purpose. You are helping us drive their futures forward.”
Participating in the press conference were Martin High School’s Banda del Animo, under the direction of Bobby Castro; Chief Marketing Officer of Sames Auto Group Patricia Muyschondt, LISD Board President Goyo M. Lopez, LISD Superintendent of Schools Guillermo Pro, Sames’ General Manager Trent Stricker, and Laredo Federal Credit Union President Rafael Martinez.
Drive Sames 4 Education 2026 winner and Nixon High School student Samantha Ibarra shared how staying committed to perfect attendance paid off in a way she never expected.
“There were definitely days when everything in me said I didn’t want to get up and go to school, but it was worth it,” Ibarra said. “My parents were always encouraging me to keep going and reminding me how important it was to be at school every single day. They pushed me to stay committed, even on the days when I was tired and just wanted to sleep in. Looking back, I am so thankful they did.”
Ibarra said she never imagined those daily sacrifices would ultimately lead to the opportunity to win a brand-new car through the Drive Sames 4 Education Perfect Attendance Incentive Program.
“I am beyond grateful for this blessing, but more than anything, I hope my story motivates other students,” Ibarra said. “Sometimes success comes from simply showing up, even on the days when it’s hard. You never know what opportunities are waiting for you when you stay committed and push through. My message to students is simple: keep showing up, keep pushing yourself, listen to the people who believe in you, and never underestimate what your hard work can lead to. You may be surprised by what’s waiting for you on the other side of your sacrifice.”
The deadline to turn in vouchers for the first nine week period is Friday, November 6.
The deadline for the second nine weeks period is Friday, February 5.
The deadline for the third nine weeks period is Friday, April 16, and the final deadline is Friday, May 14.
Towards the end of the year, Sames will randomly select 16 finalists from all the entries. The finalists will join the district on stage at Graduation Day on Tuesday, June 1, 2027, at the Sames Auto Arena. One very hard working student will be driving home a brand new 2027 Chevrolet Trax, thanks to the Sames Auto Group.