Student heads to college in new, free wheels

BASTROP — Texas’ oldest dealership once again helped a star Bastrop Independent School District student drive off from graduation in style. Alejandra Saldana, a senior at Colorado River Collegiate Academy, was gifted a brand new 2024 Ford Maverick from Sames Auto Group May 23 for her perfect attendance record.

“Investing in the success of our youth is a key priority of our organization. Our Drive Sames 4 Education Program makes it exciting and fun to reward students who work hard to earn this achievement, which is a fundamental component contributing to educational success,” said Evelyn Sames, chief executive officer for the Sames organization.

The annual Drive Sames 4 Education Perfect Attendance Program drew the lucky winner from 16 finalists with perfect records across Bastrop High School, Cedar Creek High School and Colorado River Collegiate Academy campuses.

The Sames Auto Group created the Drive Sames 4 Education Perfect Attendance Program in 2013 to support attendance throughout Bastrop ISD. The program will continue in the 2024-25 school year.

“On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I sincerely thank the Sames Auto Group for offering this incredible incentive to our students. It’s a partnership that we hope will continue for many years to come,” Bastrop ISD Superintendent Barry Edwards said.

Sames Auto Group, continuously owned by the Sames family through five generations since 1910, is officially recognized as the oldest dealership in Texas, according to representatives.