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Freedom Ford in Melbourne is doing it again; except this time, Dell laptop computers are involved.

After the success and excitement generated by last year’s “Strive to Drive” contest, Freedom Ford owners decided they would do it again, according to Freedom Ford co-owner Jack Yancey.

“We just talked ourselves into it,” Yancey said. “Me and (Freedom Ford co-owner) David (Miller) are big proponents of education ... we just want to do something to support local kids and schools.”

Yancey said this year’s addition of giving away Dell laptop computers is intended to keep students motivated year-round. “The laptops are just an incentive for students to keep pushing through every 9-weeks,” Yancey said.

Like last year’s contest, each A grade on a student’s report card earns the student three entries into the drawing. Each B grade or 9-weeks of perfect attendance gets the student one entry.

At the end of every 9-weeks, three names are randomly drawn. The first two are finalists for the mustang; the third is the recipient of a new laptop.

On June 9, 20 semifinalists will gather at the business to participate in a random key drawing. One of those keys will start the engine of the brand new 2007 Ford Mustang.

“For a small business like us, we really can’t afford this,” he said. “Ford Motor Company has nothing to do with this – this is strictly out of our pockets ... but if it pushes students, we know its a good thing.”

Brianna Alender and Rusty Skaggs, both students of Batesville High School, have been awarded laptops through the giveaway.

The Mustang finalists from the first two 9 weeks are Lindsey Deeter from Hill Crest High School, Kendra Richmond from Mountain Home High School, Kristy Callahan from Mammoth Spring High School and Britney Woodward from Batesville High School.

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