In its “Drive for Education” program, University Kia presented $4,500 to Discovery Middle School. Attending the presentation were, from left, Discovery assistant principals Ryan Foy and Kevin Wilson, Discovery Principal Melanie Barkley, University Kia General Manager Arthur Seaton and University Kia Sales Manager Mike Lucente. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – University Kia has presented $4,500 to Discovery Middle School in its Drive for Education Technology Award program.

“This donation was a great surprise, and we are very appreciative of the donation in support of our instructional technology upgrades,” Discovery Principal Melanie J. Barkley said. The funds will help to improve equipment in various labs throughout the building.

As in previous presentations of donations, Kia representatives surprised Barkley and the Discovery staff with the funds. “They called me at the beginning of the week to let me know they had chosen Discovery for the ‘Drive for Education’ program and one of our teachers, Coach Richard McKinnon, for ‘Teacher of the Month.'”

“We are very appreciative to University Kia,” Barkley said. “Mr. Mike Lucente and Mr. Arthur Seaton are supporters of the Madison City Schools, and we value their partnership.” Lucente works as sales manager, and Seaton is general manager at University Kia.

To upgrade technology, Discovery will use the money to purchase “new, thin client laptop carts and upgrade monitors in the labs,” Barkley said.

In addition, McKinnon received $500 from Kia as Teacher of the Month. “Coach McKinnon plans to invest the money into the girls’ and boys’ soccer program for the upcoming season,” Barkley said.

Drive for Education donations allow schools “to have the necessary equipment to provide Madison County children with the best possible educational experience,” Lucente said in an earlier statement.

During 2014, Kia also donated funds to West Madison and Columbia elementary schools.

University Kia’s address is 6519 University Drive NW in Huntsville. For more information, visit universitykia.com.