 2465 Gillespie Street
Fayetteville, NC 28306
Contact:
Lindsay Whitley
Associate Superintendent, Communications and Community Engagement
Phone: 910-678-2303
Email: lindsaywhitley@ccs.k12.nc.us
For Immediate Release:
December 12, 2024
Pedaling to Success: Ferguson-Easley Elementary Third Graders Win Brand New Bikes
Fayetteville, NC – Earlier today, more than 60 third graders gathered in the cafeteria of Ferguson-Easley Elementary, eagerly awaiting the results of their writing competition. Three lucky winners were chosen to receive bicycles, courtesy of Olde Fayetteville Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. What followed turned the event into a truly unforgettable moment for every student in attendance.
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The writing competition winners were celebrated one by one, with their inspiring essays embodying the themes of the book Think Big. Work Hard. Be Kind. No Excuses. Each student was presented with a brand-new bicycle. As the room erupted in cheers and applause, the excitement soared when voices could be heard chanting and urging administrators to give away one more bike.
Moments later, the principal announced an even bigger surprise: every single third grader present would receive a brand-new bike! Cheers filled the room as the stage curtain opened revealing bicycles for all the students, some of whom were overcome with emotion following the heartwarming gesture.
This effort, spearheaded by Olde Fayetteville Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., is part of the Bikes for Kids national foundation, co-founded by Meadowlark Lemon. The program provides bikes and helmets to Title I third graders and introduces them to a three-year character-building initiative. Now in its fourth year in Cumberland County, Bikes for Kids continues to foster joy and community spirit.
The event featured performances by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Gamma Chapter. Motivational speeches from E.E. Smith student role models, including a former Ferguson-Easley student, further inspired the crowd. Distinguished guests, including Cumberland County Board of Education members, elected officials and community organizations, added to the celebration’s spirit of unity and support.
The day concluded with excitement as each student jumped out of their seat, cheering while standing only feet away from their shiny new bike. Thanks to the generosity of Olde Fayetteville Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. and the efforts of all involved, this event created memories that will last a lifetime.
Paige Ross of Olde Fayetteville Insurance & Financial Services commented on the turnout of the event. “It is one of the best feelings to see these kids work so hard for something,” said Ross. "I look forward to it every year and today did not disappoint"
Ferguson-Easley Elementary Principal Eric McLaurin Celebrates With Student Essay Winners And Olde Fayetteville Insurance Staff
Ferguson-Easley Elementary Third-grade Students
Ferguson-Easley Elementary Third-grade Students Celebrate
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Delta Gamma Chapter
Cumberland County Board of Education Members (left to right): Dr. Terra Jordan, Dr. Mary Hales, Vice Chairwoman Judy Musgrave, and Board Chairwoman Deanna Jones
Media video content can be found here.
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