Beach student has drive to earn entries for drawing – and wins SUV
BY LAUREN ROTH, THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
VIRGINIA BEACH — Brandi Hill's life could hardly have taken a sharper turn since September. When school started, the teenager was missing class and bouncing from home to home.
With new adult support and the incentive of a car giveaway at school, Brandi, 15, has taken control of her life.
"I used to let things get to me," said the then-sophomore at Virginia Beach Central Academy, a school for students with behavioral problems. "Would you rather be mad and miserable, or happy?" she said. "I've decided to be a happy person."
With a wide grin and sparkling eyes, the turnaround kid says she's studying for her driver's permit. Why? Well, she won that car. For good behavior, attendance and grades she earned more entries in the drawing than anyone else, said Assistant Principal Paul D. Meadors.
The 1997 black Nissan Pathfinder, donated in October by RK Chevrolet in Virginia Beach, awaits.
"I'm going to get practice on my mom's car so I don't mess it up," Brandi said.
