Student and her mom cheer with excitement in front seat of red car

Graduating senior Chelsea Sala will be heading into the summer behind the wheel of a brand new car, thanks to Gary Rome Hyundai of Holyoke.

She and 19 other graduating seniors from Holyoke High School’s North and Dean campuses were finalists in the car dealership’s contest incentive designed to encourage students to maintain their grades and good attendance so they could be in the running to win the new car.

Just a few hours before Dean’s graduation ceremonies were scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 29, the 20 finalists gathered in the showroom lobby hoping for the chance to win. Chelsea was the first of her classmates to select a key to try—and the 18th to insert her key in the driver’s side door. While family members, friends, and school staff looked on, Chelsea soon found she was indeed holding the winning key that would unlock the door.

Chelsea is president of the HHS Dean class of 2025 and will be attending Elms College in the fall. As the lucky winner, she must pay all applicable taxes, fees, and insurance.

The finalists include five Dean students and 15 students from HHS North.

Dean finalists:

  • Eduardo A. Cardenas

  • Gadiel Gonzalez

  • Joann Perichi

  • Jamilez Rosado-Cruz

  • Chelsea Salas

North finalists:

  • Kylie Blaha

  • Andrew Bonnett

  • Alex Cabrera

  • Cian Callahan

  • Jaslyanna Dasilva

  • Xavier German

  • Nayshaliz Gonzalez

  • Nathan Jusino

  • Xavier Matos

  • Arthur Mazzu

  • Maya Olmeda-Smith

  • Peter Pluta

  • Mohab Ramadan

  • Chauncey Ruiz

  • Lynnette Serrano