Route 23 Auto Mall AP Challenge Returns to Reward Lucky Student

For thousands of high school students enrolled in advanced placement courses, spring means more than warmer weather, baseball or softball, track or lacrosse. It means that the AP exams are just around the corner.

For one area student, taking the advanced placement tests may also earn them a brand new Ford automobile in the second annual Route 23 Auto Mall AP Challenge.  

The event, to be held Saturday, July 27 (rain date July 28), is designed to encourage and reward outstanding academic achievement, organizers said. Juniors and seniors from local high schools who complete one or more AP courses and receive a grade of 3 or better out of possible 5 on the AP exam earn the chance to win a 2013 automobile.

Each qualifying score entitles the student to draw for one of 12 keys that unlock a new car. The 12 finalists then each select another key, one of which will start the engine of a brand new Ford, courtesy of Route 23 Auto Mall.

This year, students from the four original high schools, Butler, Kinnelon, Pequannock, and Pompton Lakes, will be joined by students from West Milford High School as participants in the challenge.

Last year's event had 268 participants. The goal for 2013 is to significantly increase that number, not only with the participation of West Milford, but also by increasing the number of students from the original four schools. With this goal in mind, the committee hopes to have all five districts earn a spot on the prestigious AP honor roll given to schools that have the greatest increase in participation and test scores that year.

Assistance from Rotary Club groups in Pompton Lakes, Pequannock and the Tri-Boro helped the Challenge award four Dell laptop computers and two iPads, as well as a number of $25 Staples gift cards, to participating students last year. This year, the AP Challenge Steering Committee, representing all five districts and the Route 23 Auto Mall, is seeking additional sponsors so that prizes can be distributed to more student scholars.

The committee is asking area individuals and companies "that share an interest in encouraging academic excellence" to donate to support the AP Challenge. Those interested in becoming sponsors may contact Mark Mickens of Route 23 Auto Mall or Butler High School Superintendent Mario Cardinale, who chairs the event's steering committee, at 973-492-2025.