Harlingen student wins car at perfect attendance event

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Several Harlingen CISD students were honored on Friday at the 12th annual Gillman Drive for Perfect Attendance event.

The event welcomed students and families to celebrate the achievement at Gillman Chevrolet in Harlingen.

Various prizes were up for grabs, including a new 2025 Chevy Trax LX.

Sophomore student Melanie Rios entered the event celebrating her perfect attendance streak, not knowing she would leave the event with a new vehicle.

"My heart dropped. My parents looked and me and they were so happy. They just made this beautiful smile," Rios said. "I did not think [perfect attendance] could turn into this."

Rios plans to drive her family in the vehicle to get her driver's license soon.

"I have my permit. I'm going to take care of this car," Rios said. "I'm grateful for this opportunity."