HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A Holyoke high school student’s hard work in the classroom earned him more than a diploma - a brand new car.

Don Ampofo, a senior at Dean Technical High School, was one of 20 students vying to win a new car from Gary Rome Hyundai. Each finalist was selected based on academic excellence and strong character, including a GPA of 3.0 or higher, having less than six absences, and staying out of trouble.

The students took part in the Gary Rome Academic Achievement Award just before their graduation over the next few days. “One of my favorite days of the year, this is awesome,” said Gary Rome with Gary Rome Hyundai.

Each student picked a key from a bowl, but only one would be the right key to the car. Students lined up with their numbered keys and, starting with number one, took their chance to unlock the door. The pressure built with every wrong key until they got to student number 18. Ampofo’s key unlocked the door.

The Ampofo family, who moved to the United States from Ghana when Don was six, celebrated the win. “I feel like it all worked out. It’s a very nice moment. It’s crazy,” Ampofo said.

His father, Kwame Ampofo, said all the teachers like him and he’s a good person. “So I know God is going to pave the way for him and I want him to continue this good work when you go to college and, you know, have to follow the right path and that’s it,” Kwame Ampofo said.

Rosie Caracciolo, principal at Dean Technical High School, said Ampofo won numerous awards at Class Day. “We’ve been with his family. He’s had a sibling at our school. He’s just an exemplary model for Holyoke,” Caracciolo said.

Rome said the award has made a difference over the years. “It’s helped families take care of sick parents. It’s helped students make their way to college,” he explained.

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