Newton North High School Teen Wins Car

NEWTON, MA — One senior at Newton North High School won a new car this week thanks to the “Keys to Success” program, which recognizes high school students who achieve excellence. This year, 50 students were nominated by Newton North High School faculty for good deeds done throughout the year and were rewarded with the chance to turn the ignition of a certified pre-owned car and drive away with it.

Each student tested their keys one by one in the ignition of a 2007 Honda Civic, when 18-year-old Newton resident Max Teszler turned the key the car started right up.

Now in its 11th year, the Keys to Success incentive program sponsored by Newton Honda Village rewards high school students who achieve excellence. Students are given monthly prizes for excelling in various categories during the school year. At the end of the year, those recognized during the academic calendar have the opportunity to compete to win a certified pre-owned car or a $5,000 scholarship.

Newton North High School Vice Principal Amy Winston nominated Max who is part of the NNHS student government committee and helped brainstorm ideas to solve the school’s cricket problem, which was part of last year’s prank when a group of students placed crickets in the high school’s library.

He and his mom, Heather, said they were both over-joyed at the news of winning the car, but the two need to discuss the decision further of whether they want to accept it or take the scholarship.

“Since the beginning, Keys to Success has been one of our most rewarding community involvement programs,” said Ray Ciccolo, President and CEO of Village Automotive Group. “To see the excitement and surprise in the eyes of each deserving teen when they win his or her own car is an incredibly gratifying experience for everyone involved each year.”

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Photos courtesy Keys to Success and Newton Honda Village.

NNHS winner Max Teszler with Newton Honda Village General Manager Carl Pasquarosa (blue shirt) and President & CEO of Village Automotive Group, Ray Ciccolo