What seemed like a routine morning formation for JROTC cadets at Niceville High School turned into a life-changing moment for senior Zikeara Flowers.
- On Monday, Mullins Auto Body donated a 2013 Chevy Malibu to Flowers during a surprise presentation that left the hardworking student speechless. Her brother Antonio, also a JROTC cadet who stood in formation with his sister, had kept the secret for two weeks.
“I was surprised…really surprised. I’ve never had an opportunity like this before,” said Flowers, who was called out during what she believed was a regular inspection with her fellow cadets.
Amber Carter, CEO of Mullins Auto Body, explained that the business acquires damaged vehicles, repairs them, and occasionally donates them to deserving recipients.
- “I try to do a different organization every time,” Carter said. “There’s no words to describe it. It’s an amazing feeling to be at a point in my life that I’m able to do this.”
Carter, who attended Niceville High School herself, runs the business with her husband Mike. She purchased the company from her father about three and a half years ago after he started it 35 years ago.
“I didn’t want the legacy that he created to go to corporate,” Carter said.
Principal Charlie Marello worked with guidance counselors and District staff to identify a student who would benefit from having a vehicle.
- “I’m finishing up my ninth year here and I’ve never had someone reach out in this type of way,” Marello said. “We’re beyond appreciative that they would think to do this for one of our students.”
For Flowers’ mother, Iris Vaughn, who attended the surprise with Flowers’ older sister Alexandria, the donation means more than just transportation.
“It’s been a long, rough journey and it means a lot. These kids have been through enough,” Vaughn said. “They work three different schedules right now. They are all using the same vehicle.”
Okaloosa County School Superintendent Marcus Chambers attended the surprise presentation.
“Today is a shining example of our community partners’ incredible impact on our students,” Chambers said. “Thanks to the generosity of Mullins Auto Body, Zikeara Flowers now has a reliable vehicle that will help pave the way for her future.”
Flowers, who plans to join the Army after graduation and eventually study marine biology, expressed gratitude to everyone involved, unaware that her brother Antonio had been keeping the surprise a secret for two weeks while participating in the same JROTC program.
- “I want to thank everyone so much. Thanks to my teachers, my mentors, my parents…my parents are amazing,” she said. “And to Mullins.”
