Students start new car fund for retiring teacher in Chapel Hill after driving same Saturn for 30 years

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — A Chapel Hill High School teacher is saying goodbye to 30 years of teaching and 30 years with his 1996 Saturn, also known as “The Saturn” or “Old Girl.”

Bill Melega teaches Great American History at Chapel Hill High School. Last year he decided this would be his final year teaching.

Students said Mr. Melega is one of the best teachers they have ever had and wanted to send him off in style. Lyla Berman said she and her classmates wanted to celebrate Mr. Melega in a big way.

“He’s a really, really big advocate for change in the classroom. He’s very hands-on with his lessons. He’s a huge inspiration to learn from and he just really engages everyone in the classroom,” said Berman.

They came up with the idea of raising money to buy Mr. Melega a new car. Berman said they did not think they would raise has much as they already have.

As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, 154 donations have been made, bringing the fund up to more than $10,000. The goal is to raise $25,000. You can find the GoFundMe here .

Mr. Melega is not only recognized as being a great teacher, he is also a military veteran. He was chosen in 2010 as the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Teacher of the Year honor in 2010 .

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