When the sleek, black Dodge Avenger pulled in front of Pike Liberal Arts School, the expressions on the faces of the awaiting students said, “Wow!”

The car was a donation to the school’s driver education program from Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. It was accepted with great appreciation from Eric Burkett, PLAS Headmaster, Greg Wilkins, driver education instructor, and his students.

Jason Gregory, Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram owner, said he and his wife, Julie, recognized the need at the school and wanted to supply that need.

“Driver education is an important program and we, a Premier Dodge Ram Jeep wanted to support the program and the students who benefit from it,” Gregory said. “The Dodge Avenger is a pre-owned 2012 model and one the students will like to drive. It should benefit the program for several years.”

Wilkins said he was as excited about the vehicle as the students.

“This donation is a great opportunity for the students here at Pike Liberal Arts,” he said. “In recent years, driver’s ed had been taught only during the summer. Now we are able to offer it as a semester elective. Driver education is a much-needed program because, not only do the students benefit from the classroom instruction, they are also required to have 20 hours of experience behind the wheel.”

Wilkins said students who successful complete driver education and receive a driver’s license, also qualify for a boating license.

“Their parents receive a discount on their automobile insurance, so it’s a win-win situation,” he said. “At this time, Pike Liberal Arts is the only school in the private school association that offers a full time driver education program. We are proud to offer this opportunity to our students. And we are most appreciative of the generosity of Jason and Julie Gregory and Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.”

The PLAS driver education car will have a designating sign on top and signage on the sides recognizing Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Pike Liberal Arts School.

“We will definitely stand out when we are on the road,” Wilkins said.