Student Absent From Perfect Attendance Event -- With Good Reason

LITHIA, FL -- From kindergarten to the last day of his senior year, Newsome High School graduate Joshua Quiggle never missed a day of school.

So, it was a bit ironic that he wasn't on hand to accept his reward of a new Toyota Yaris for 13 years of perfect school attendance.

But Quiggle had a good excuse for missing the 2018 Toyota of Tampa Bay Perfect Car for Perfect Attendance drawing Tuesday, June 5 at the Hillsborough County School Administration building.

He's busy serving his country.

Shortly after accepting his high school diploma, Quiggle headed to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, to begin Air Force basic training.

His school teacher mother, Wanda, stood in for Quiggle who was among 15 Hillsborough County students eligible to enter the drawing for the new car.

In case he won, Quiggle prepared a videotaped message.

"Thank you so much Toyota of Tampa Bay for this amazing gift. Go United States of America and God bless," he said.

Wanda Quiggle said it will be awhile before her son will learn the good news. During basic training, he's not allowed any outside contact.

"He won't even know he won for weeks," she said. "The only option right now is that I have to send him a letter."

Quiggle was among five Hillsborough County students had 13 years of perfect attendance. The other students with perfect attendance were fellow Newsome High graduate Sarah Grabau, Krista Hill of Robinson High, Dakota Johnson of Chamberlain High and Carissa Stopowenko of Lennard High (see related story).

Image via Hillsborough County Schools