Looking for a way to inspire your youngster to sports greatness, or just get them to behave in class? Well, at Symmes Valley, that sort of behavior just netted two students a car and $500.

Of course, not every win and good student is rewarded. Since the beginning of the school year, students have earned Viking Bucks (which basically work like raffle tickets) for good behavior, straight “A”s, perfect attendance, etc.

Principal Jeff Saunders said that the incentive has gone a long way toward getting, and keeping, students on the right track.

“The students have been very receptive of the program,” Saunders said. “The Viking Bucks, for lack of a better way of putting it, became very valuable. They really enjoyed it when they were given one, and if they did something to earn it, and you forgot to give it to them, it didn’t take them long to remind you.”

For example, Symmes Valley student Tyler Smith received a $500 gift card just for not getting in trouble all year.

Last week, though students like Smith won a bevy of prizes, none were as anticipated as a 1996 Monte Carlo donated by Higgins Chevrolet, taken home by a lucky sophomore named Kathryn Myers.

Although she had picked up a few Viking Bucks throughout the year, Myers said she wasn’t too confident before the drawing.

“I had a few in there, but I didn’t think I was going to win anything,” Myers said.

In the end, thanks to a special buck awarded for the softball team winning the Southeastern Ohio Conference, it was Myers’ name that was read.

“I laughed, because I thought it was pretty funny,” Myers said. “Never in a million years did I think I’d win a car. It just struck me as funny.”

Part of the reason for Myers’ case of the giggles may be that she is without even so much as a learner’s permit, something she plans to remedy within the week, though she’s not concerned about her abilities.

“I’m not one of those road rage kind of people,” Myers said with a laugh. “My brother Brandon wrecked a couple of times, so I’m a little scared to drive, but I’m not that big of a idiot when I get behind the wheel.”