Jonesboro family surprises graduating senior with new truck

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - A heartwarming surprise unfolded at Valley View High School as a local family gifted a soon-to-be alumni a new truck.

The Chavers family of Jonesboro won a GMC Sierra 1500 at the NEA Baptist Duck Classic last December.

The family had a special plan for their prize. Wanting to pay it forward, they contacted local schools, asking counselors to nominate students needing a vehicle.

Among the nominees was Valley View Senior Josh Milton. Milton’s English teacher, Holly Cockrell, wrote an essay detailing why she felt Milton deserved the new set of wheels. Cockrell said he has a heart of gold.

“He is kind as can be to his peers, he would be happy for anyone else,” Cockrell said. “That’s just what kind of kid he is.”

Milton had been struggling with a 1999 Chevy Silverado needing repairs.

“The water pump’s been broken down on it and I haven’t been able to get it fixed,” Milton explained.

The surprise unfolded in the school courtyard on Thursday, May 2. Friends, family members, teachers, and administrators gathered to witness Milton’s emotional reaction.

Tears of joy streamed down his face as he thanked the Chavers family for their generosity.

“It’s not like he was more deserving than the others, but it just touched home a little bit,” said Reggie Chavers, a member of the donating family.

Already completing his classes for the year, Milton came to the school Thursday for a job interview. He said a new truck was the last thing he expected to leave with.

“I was trying to work here this summer before I go to welding school,” Milton said. “This is crazy, I’m speechless.”

The unexpected gesture left Milton feeling extremely grateful as he plans to attend trade school after graduation to pursue his dream of becoming a welder.

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