Ewing Middle School students could get a new video game system or DVD player for free just for doing the right things in school.

An X Box video game system, camcorder and autographed footballs are among the prizes Ewing Middle students can earn in an academic incentive program that starts Tuesday. The school will bring in an auctioneer in late May to auction off prizes to students. The prizes are donated by local businesses and individuals.

The school's incentive program will allow students to earn "Ewing Eagle Bucks" each week towards being able to bid on the prizes. The Eagle is the school's mascot.

In order to earn these bucks, Ewing Middle students must attend school and do their homework every day. Students cannot get any discipline problems for the entire week and cannot use cell phones or electronic devices during school.

Students who meet these requirements will be awarded $30 in "Ewing Eagle Bucks" each week.

Good grades on the next report card will earn students extra bucks to help increase their chance of capturing a desired prize.

"In addition, on the third nine weeks report cards, students will receive $20 in Ewing Eagle Bucks for every A, $10 in Ewing Eagle Bucks for every B, and $5 in Ewing Eagle Bucks for every C," Ewing Middle Principal Dr. Denise Wooten said.

The incentive program is modeled after an auction program Jonesville High School held when Wooten taught at the school in 1994. Her principal at Jonesville was current Cherokee County School Superintendent Dr. Bill James.

"I had to do something to motivate my students," Wooten said. "Our theme in 2009 is 'Do the Right Thing.' We want to reward them for doing the right thing in school."

Wooten approached the superintendent with the idea of acquiring various items for students to earn in the auction in May.

New Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney has already sent an autographed football.

Wooten said one of her teachers planned to bring back a prize from last week's BCS championship football game. The school hopes to acquire sports memorabilia from wellknown sports figures such as Hall of Fame pitcher and former Limestone baseball coach Gaylord Perry.

School incentives are nothing new in the Cherokee County School District.

Gaffney High School has held an annual "Prom Bash" since 1997 offering incentives to encourage students not to drink and drive. No county high school students have been killed in a car accident on prom or graduation night since the Prom Bash began.

Last September, the school district presented 70 Mary Bramlett Elementary students with a new bicycle and helmet. Students received the bikes for improving their state test scores at least one level.

James said he believes incentives, such as the Ewing Middle auction, are a good way to motivate students for doing well in school.