A couple of years ago, CTE introduced a class called Bicycle Repair.... it is a class taught by a professional bike repair person named Mike Blodgett and students love it! This year, the students put their skills to good use repairing and refurbishing bicycles for local elementary school children in need.
Students have spent the past several weeks collecting donated, unneeded bicycles (nearly 20 of them) from community members, friends, and family. Students then worked in teams to inspect, repair, and tune up the bikes, replacing tires, adjusting brakes, and ensuring each one is safe and ready to ride. The Weber School District Foundation provided funding for parts and repairs to get these bikes up and going and the students have tirelessly worked to get them ready to deliver to some of our most needy students.
The project has been about more than just fixing bikes. It’s about teaching students valuable skills, giving them a sense of purpose, and helping younger kids experience the simple joy of having their own bike. The feeling the kids had and their parents and teachers experienced was something I will never forget. To see our own students from the Bike Repair class... students from West Field, Roy, Bonneville, Weber, and Fremont all come together, fix up, and deliver these bikes... the older students interacting with the elementary kids -- was PRICELESS!
The repaired bicycles were donated to carefully selected children in each of the following schools... Birch Creek Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Valley View Elementary, and Lakeview Elementary during a special event called "Gearing Up for Good" The event also included giving the young kids helmets, a lock, and a lesson on bike safety.
We’re so proud of our students for taking the initiative to help others…. CTE classes not only build important skills but they teach students to use those skills to give back and help others. Service and altruism is what makes communities grow and come together and is a great preparation for careers and contributions to society. It’s inspiring to see them use what they’ve learned in the classroom to make a real difference right here in our community. We appreciate the partnership with our elementary schools, principals, counselors, district leadership, and the Weber School District Foundation.
