Last week, as classes were wrapping up at Great Bend schools, 20 elementary students were given BMX-style bicycles as a reward for excellent attendance.
Drawings for four bikes were held each of USD 428’s elementary schools: Jefferson, Park, Lincoln, Eisenhower and Riley. Only students with perfect attendance were eligible.
The tradition started in 2013 when Dale and Karen Shaner decided to recognize local students for the planning and preparation that goes into making it to school every day, on time. With the help of friends in the community they purchased 10 bikes and delivered them to the five elementary schools.
By year two the list of donors had grown and they purchased twice as many bicycles — four for each school.

This year’s winners are:
Jefferson Elementary, with 13 students entered in the drawing: Faith Mead, second grade; Summer Stewart, kindergarten; and Matt Schroeder and Konner Holinde, fourth grade.
Park Elementary, with 10 entered: Taiya Clanton, fifth grade; Shawn Lemman, second grade; Eber Ramirez, sixth grade; and Tyler McKenzie, fourth grade.
Lincoln Elementary, with seven entered: Aubree Holinde and Kade Thexton, kindergarten; Kimberly Hofflinger, third grade; and Paige Thexton, fifth grade.
Riley Elementary, with six entered: Fernando Alonzo and Brissa Mendoza, fourth grade; Alexis Alonzo, kindergarten; and Ramon Renteria Cardoza, sixth grade.
Eisenhower Elementary, with nine entered: Shayla Naab and Mison Sinn, third grade; Payge Cain, fourth grade; and Hailey Marley, sixth grade.

2017 donors

Larry Zinn Memorial, Doris Spray, Ron and Kathy Straub, Fred and Candace Nuss, Gail Carpenter, Gregg and Maggie Reinhardt, Kenny Vink, Roger Krier, Joe and Linda Cannon, Terry Vink, Mitch and Shawn Haney, Greg Bauer, Jane Isern, Charles Pike, Craig Vink, Darwin and Marty Schloemer, Dale and Karen Shaner, Mayor Mike Allison DDS, Dr. Tom Vernon. Purchase and assembly, Todd VanSkike, Skike’s Bikes, 2103 26th St., Great Bend.