Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
Carbon Hill High School has received 26 bicycles for students thanks to a $10,000 grant from Cawaco Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) in partnership with the Alabama Legislature.
The bikes were officially presented on Friday, August 30, at the Carbon Hill High School gym. Several state and local officials, including State Representatives Matt Woods and Tim Wadsworth, were in attendance.
As the second high school in Walker County to receive bicycles through this initiative, Carbon Hill students now have an exciting opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities while promoting their overall health and well-being.
“We’ve been working on this project for a couple of years now,” said Steve Rowe, administrative assistant to the superintendent. “We thank Cawaco and our legislators for making the funds available earlier than expected, so students can start enjoying these bikes sooner.”
Cawaco RC&D, a non-profit that supports educational and community development projects across Central Alabama, has made a significant impact with its second $10,000 award to the Walker County School District. Their goal is to provide bicycles to all five high schools in the county.
“This wasn’t supposed to happen this quickly,” Rowe said. “We wrote the grant in June, expecting it to be funded next fiscal year, but thanks to some great relationships, we got access to the funds early.”
Representatives Woods and Wadsworth both emphasized the importance of physical activity, encouraging students to explore the local trails and enjoy the outdoors.
“Getting outside and exercising can help both your physical and mental health,” said Woods. “Unplug from your phones and take in the fresh air.”
Walker County Schools Superintendent Dennis Willingham also spoke about the stress relief that exercise can provide for students. “Exercise is proven to reduce stress, and these bikes will help students relieve some of the pressures they face,” he said. WL
