FROM STAFF REPORTS

VINCENT – Bobby Labonte’s No. 47 show car will be on display at Vincent High School today from noon-2 p.m.

The car is on display as part of a special event to reward students for academic success, stated a press release from City Councilmember Bridgette Jordan-Smith.

The event was coordinated by two VHS alums, Jordan-Smith, PTO president, and Troy Datcher, class of 1986.

Datcher is currently the director of sports marketing for the Clorox Corporation, which includes its involvement in auto racing. According to the release, Datcher was one of the highest ranking African Americans in NASCA as an executive with JTG/Daugherty Racing, the company that brought the car to VHS.

Last fall, Datcher spoke to the VHS student body and challenged the students to improve their grades by promising to buy race tickets for those who showed improvement, according to the release.

“Here in our small community, we know it’s important for our current students to see what’s possible if they apply themselves. They can litereally go anywhere form here, and hopefully come back home to inspire others like Troy is doing,” said Jordan-Smith in the release.

The award ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. today, the release stated.