A carhop who works at the Sonic Drive In in Philadelphia brought home a bronze medal in a national skating contest this week. 

Jeremy Huddleston was one of five carhops who competed in the SONIC Drive-In Skate-Off in Washington D.C. sponsored by Dr. Pepper. Huddleston placed third and also won a cash prize of $500. 

Huddleston said he was so excited when they announced his name that he was speechless.

Those who know him filled the void. He said he received a lot of texts when word spread about his award, and he received calls from his parents and the Sonic store. 

Huddleston described himself on the day of the competition as nervous, but he wanted to make his family and everyone he knew proud. He said he worked hard to prepare.

Huddleston said a lot of people love his spins, but he is also complimented for always smiling. 

Huddleston said he learned to skate from watching videos on YouTube, going to local skating rinks and skating with others. After submitting a video to compete in a national skate-off event, Huddleston, who works at Sonic #2774 in Philadelphia, competed in Sonic’s annual Skate-Off Competition in Oklahoma City in August. There, he competed in a 12-part obstacle course and was evaluated for his skating ability, carhop skills and overall guest service.

“We know that our guests love to get their SONIC favorite delivered by Jeremy while he is zooming around the drive-in on skates,” said Brandon Jones, general manager, SONIC of Philadelphia in a news release. “We couldn’t be prouder of Jeremy’s impressive performance at the Skate-Off competition.”

For the near future he will continue to study at the University of Southern Mississippi where he is majoring in public relations.

Huddleston said he is starting to prepare for next year and he plans to spend time with other skating carhops to help them have the same experience he had. Huddleston said he plans to be there for those who might need help.

“You don’t have to be a professional to participate in the SONIC skate off,” Huddleston said.

Huddleston said the experience was humbling. He thanked the Philadelphia community for the support given to him.

“I can’t thank them enough,” Huddleston said.