‘Driving Forward Together’: Teacher wins Midas car giveaway
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A longtime teacher at Tupelo’s Joyner Elementary received an early Christmas surprise. Lekata Word was the winner of an SUV from Midas Automotive, valued at $15,000.
Word was chosen from nominations across the region. The contest, called “Driving Forward Together” asked people to submit the name of a community hero, who could use a reliable vehicle.
A panel unanimously chose Word, who is a behavioral interventionist and is known for her dedication to helping students succeed.
She was shocked at the surprise.
“I go to church every Sunday and my vehicle has started acting up. And the lady who rides with me, her vehicle messed up. We had been driving my son’s car,” said Word. “We joked last night about buying a vehicle. I am so excited, over the moon, about winning this vehicle. Because now I know I am going to get to church on time and that’s how much it means to me.”
Midas plans to give away more vehicles next year as part of the community initiative.
