MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – There were no tricks this April Fools’ Day at Meridian High School, where an 18-year-old senior received an unexpected and life-changing surprise.
Chuckdarius Edwards was called out of class and summoned to the principal’s office — a moment that left him uneasy.
“I was nervous sitting in that office. I thought I was in trouble,” Edwards said.
Instead, school officials escorted him to the courtyard, where his mother, local musician Ily Truly — also known as Caleb Hutchinson — staff from Wheely Nice Auto Sales and friends were waiting with a gift: a 2019 electric blue Dodge Challenger.
The giveaway was part of a promotion tied to Truly’s recently released album, Eccentric. Participants were encouraged to post videos on TikTok tagging the artist and the album.
“Chuckdarius posted every day, all day,” Truly said. “So we wanted to surprise him and figured we would just bring it to him.”
Edwards said the car will make a meaningful difference in his life and his family’s.
“This car means a lot to me. I can help my mom out more,” he said.
His mother, Melissa Moore, said she was aware of the contest but did not expect her son to win.
“I never win anything, so I am surprised,” Moore said. “Chuckdarius was talking about the contest this morning. He comes from a family of nine children. Now he has his own transportation. It really is a blessing.”
Wheely Nice Auto Sales co-owner Summer Hutchinson said the decision to give away the vehicle — valued at about $13,000 — was rooted in a desire to give back to the community and support young people.
“We don’t want to become millionaires,” Hutchinson told the crowd. “We want to be able to give back and help young people get their start.”
She added that Edwards’ consistent support of her son’s music played a key role.
“This album meant a lot to my son,” she said. “Chuck showed my son support by posting consistently. It wasn’t just about the music. Chuck believed, and we are honored to present him with this car.”
Truly’s album Eccentric is available on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Wheely Nice Auto Sales is located off North Hills Street in Meridian.
