POST FALLS — Isaac Thorpe was the first person to try his mystery key to a brand-new 2025 Chevy Trax from Knudtsen Chevrolet. 

Nothing happened. 

The graduating seniors with a chance to win a new car all went down the line, but still there were no audible beeps.  

With no clear winner chosen, they all began rapidly hitting their buttons again, hoping against hope that theirs would be the winner. 

Just as he was the first to try his key, Thorpe wound up being the last as well, and will be bringing home a Chevy Trax of his own to bring to the Dallas campus of the University of Texas in the fall. 

He put the false start of his key not working down to being used to a key and not a clicker to open his 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. 

Just before they tried their car keys, Knudtsen Chevrolet owner Eve Knudtsen had taken a poll among the five seniors at the dealership’s community celebration party. 

“Who needs a new car?” Knudtsen asked. 

All five of them raised their hands. 

Knudtsen recounted the family’s history of starting the dealership June 12, 1939, and said she’s excited to keep the 86th celebration going with the grad night giveaway to encourage high school seniors to participate in a safe and memorable grad night.   

“This is the 11th year of helping a high school senior drive to college in a brand-new car,” Knudtsen said. 

“It’s a great way to bring the community together and have a fun time,” said Knudtsen.  

Students who attended their school’s all-night graduation celebration from Post Falls High School, Lake City High School, Coeur d’Alene High School, Lakeland High School or Timberlake High School were entered into a drawing to see if they’d get to try for the Chevy Trax. 

The four remaining students who didn’t win the car all won iMac laptops. 

Isaac’s mother, Maria Thorpe, covered her mouth in disbelief when her son won the Chevy Trax. 

“We didn’t think he was going to win, but we were also joking because he drives a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier that’s rusting and rattles and he’s driven it all through high school,” Maria said. “He was happy to be humble with his old car and now this.” 

“It’s quite the upgrade,” Isaac said. 

None of this was even likely for Isaac, because he didn’t want to go to his grad night party for Coeur d’Alene High School when the day rolled around. 

“I almost didn’t even go to the party to get this chance. My friend convinced me to at the last minute,” Isaac said. 

Lola Jeanselme walked away with her brand-new laptop and a smile on her face. 

“I’m so happy, it’ll come in useful,” the Lake City High senior said. “It’s a win-win.” 

Emily Lewis of Timberlake High School said she thought she had won for a moment in the confusion when all five students tried their keys. 

“We all clicked the key and nothing happened and then it made a noise a little after I clicked my key,” Lewis said. 

After all of the suspense, she was ready for the cake and cookies at the party as well as to take her new laptop for a spin. 

“It’s kind of sweet, you kinda win either way,” Lewis said. 

Dealership owner Eve Knudtsen presents the high school seniors with a chance to win a 2025 Chevy Trax on Thursday. Isaac Thorpe, Lola Jeanselme, Emily Lewis, Elizabeth Duce and Sebastean Martin all got a chance to try different keys to draw the car. Coeur d'Alene student Isaac Thorpe was the winner.

    Isaac Thorpe, Lola Jeanselme, Emily Lewis, Elizabeth Duce and Sebastean Martin all got a chance to try different keys to draw the car.The high school seniors drew keys to see which worked for a new 2025 Chevy Trax as part of a giveaway. Coeur d'Alene student Isaac Thorpe was the winner.
  

Isaac Thorpe and his mother, Maria Thorpe react after Isaac won a 2025 Chevy Trax on Thursday night at Knudtsen Chevrolet.