Family pays it forward by gifting new truck to graduating senior dealing with car problems

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT/Gray News) - A heartwarming surprise unfolded at an Arkansas high school this week as a family gifted a graduating senior a new truck.

KAIT reports that the Chavers family had won a GMC Sierra 1500 at a fundraising event last December. And the family wanted to pay it forward.

So, they contacted area schools, asking counselors to nominate students who needed a vehicle.

Among the nominees was Valley View High School senior Josh Milton.

Milton’s English teacher, Holly Cockrell, wrote an essay detailing why she felt he 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,” she said. “That’s just what kind of kid he is.”

Milton had been struggling with a 1999 Chevy Silverado that needed repairs.

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

Milton was surprised with the new truck on Thursday in the courtyard area at school.

Friends, family members, teachers, and administrators gathered to witness the heartwarming moment.

Tears of joy streamed down Milton’s 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,” Reggie Chavers said.

Already completing his classes for the year, Milton said he had come to the school that day 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. He plans to attend trade school after graduation to pursue his dream of becoming a welder.

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