SHAWNEE STUDENT WINS BIG IN SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CONTEST

WOLF LAKE, Ill. -- Seventh-grader Dana Phillips hung around after final exams Thursday to watch a volleyball tournament and see who would win use of a new car or stereo equipment.

She never thought her name would be drawn to win the semester-long attendance contest at Shawnee High School.

Cheers echoed through the gymnasium when Phillips' name was called and the quiet 13-year-old walked to the microphone.

Principal John Phillippe whispered in her ear to make her choice, a three-month lease on a new Dodge Neon or Mazda pickup truck, or $1,000 in stereo equipment.

Phillippe whispered to the students that she picked the stereo equipment.

Another cheer resonated through the gym and students headed home for Christmas.

Phillippe smiled. "Did those look like happy kids to you?" he asked.

Phillippe devised the contest to increase attendance.

Students with perfect attendance got three chances for the prize. Those who missed one day got two chances and students with two absences got one chance.

Wallace Motors in Carbondale offered a three-month lease on a new Dodge Neon or Mazda pickup truck. The prize included insurance and maintenance. The winner would pay for gas.

Stereo One in Carbondale and Cape Girardeau offered students $1,000 in stereo equipment to keep. The school foots half the bill.

Phillippe said results have been better than expected. The goal was to improve attendance just 1 percent. Attendance improved by 3 percent. Enrollment is 275 for grades 7 through 12.

"I think it will be even better next semester now that students have seen it really will happen," he said. "We're hoping to get a convertible for the summer," Phillippe said.

Senior Jake LeForge had hoped a senior high student would win, but said the idea works.

"I know there have been a lot more kids at school this year," he said. "I've heard kids say the reason they came to school is to win."

LeForge, who had three chances at the prize, plans to play again next semester. "Maybe I will win," he said.

Ninth-grader Lisa Randles missed too many days to qualify for the contest. But after the drawing Thursday said she would try harder next semester to make it to class.

Phillips, who is the daughter of Lloyd and Gail Phillips of McClure, was overwhelmed.

"I was here for the ballgame," she said. Phillips went home with a $1,000 prize, just for coming to school.