NAMPA, Idaho — "Something really amazing is happening, something I never really thought would even happen" that's how 18-year-old Lucas described being gifted with a car from Caldwell dealership, Kim's Kar's. Lucas, a junior, soon-to-be senior at Ridgevue High School hasn't had the easiest life. Kicked out of his home, left with nowhere to go, this young man has had to grow up fast.
A full-time student, multi-sport athlete and part-time employee at Chick-Fil-A, Lucas has a full plate. Before receiving his four-door white Toyota, this responsible teen walked himself to and from his commitments. Regardless of the day, time or weather conditions.
The community around this young man has truly stepped up to make sure he doesn't "fall through the cracks". The school's resource officer, Stu Hobson, and teacher Mrs. Kinney are a part of Lucas' support team. Lucas currently spends his time between Mrs. Kinney's home and another giving him a safe and stable place to stay. When asked what led her to take a student into her home and make him apart of her family, Mrs. Kinney says, "there was no question. He needed a place to stay" she couldn't bear the idea of him spending one more night outside.
This car is more than just a set of wheels, it's a form of steady transportation to get Lucas to and from all of his commitments in a safe, timely manner.
Lucas will start his senior year at Ridgeview High School this fall and hopes to attend college and play football the following year. His life is far from easy, but with a little help is made do-able and his advice to anyone who has struggled like him, "just keep going. No matter what people say, no matter what your situation is, just keep going and things will get better".
