Local Teen Drives Away in a 2025 Ford Mustang Thanks to Clement Ford’s "Drive for Excellence" Program

For McCluer North High School senior, Ian Hughes, hard work has literally paid off in the form of a brand-new 2025 Ford Mustang convertible. Ian is the latest winner of Clement Auto Group’s “Drive for Excellence” initiative, a program dedicated to rewarding high-achieving high school students in the St. Louis area.

The event, now in its third year, brings together outstanding juniors and seniors who’ve demonstrated strong academic performance. Out of hundreds of applicants from six Clement Auto Group locations, just 20 students were selected as finalists. On April 26, they gathered for a red-carpet event at Clement Ford in O’Fallon, each hoping for the keys to something unforgettable.

And for Ian, luck struck when he became the ninth student to try his luck with a mystery car key, unlocking the doors to his brand-new Mustang and igniting a celebration among the crowd of over 100 attendees, including fellow students, proud parents, teachers, and community leaders.

The event even featured a special guest: Jesse Kopp, last year’s winner from Holt High School, who is now studying engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.

“The Clement Ford Drive for Excellence Program is our way of promoting educational excellence among high school juniors and seniors,” said Penuel ‘Raj’ Clement, President of Clement Auto Group. “We believe in giving back to the community, and what better way to do so than by investing in its students — our future leaders.”

Looking ahead, the fourth annual Drive for Excellence is already in the works. It will take place this August at the new 70,000 square-foot Clement Ford dealership in Wentzville, the first of its kind to feature Ford’s next-generation design.

Students interested in next year’s giveaway can find more information or apply at driveforexcellence.com.

So, to all local students: keep your grades up, your next big ride might just be waiting around the corner.