WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- Good grades are a strong motivator for improvement -- but so are bikes!
Congaree Elementary students in second through fifth grades have been working this semester to earn tickets and points, which counted toward an end-of-the-school-year drawing in each homeroom for two bike winners each -- one boy and one girl.
“The students have been excited about the bicycle incentive,” said Principal Jeff Becker.
Forty bikes were given away Wednesday, May 29, based on criteria designed by teachers including attendance, academic improvement in assessments, completion of classwork and homework, and positive behavior. Contract Construction, Jumper Carter Sease Architects and MB Kahn Construction sponsored the bike incentive, while the Walmart Supercenter on Augusta Highway put the bikes together for students.
“It’s all about the kids,” said fourth-grade teacher Hannah Rohrer, “and the kids were excited!”
Here are the winners:
Second grade
Karen Cress’ class -- Baya Green and Colton Tindall
Carolyn Lowman’s class -- Braylynn Hyler and J’Lonn English
Wendy White’s class -- Amaya Kepler and Christian Chandler
Danelle Williams’ class -- Kahna Herron and Elijah Williams
Lorri Wood’s class -- Ariana D’Elia and Leland Miller
Third grade
Amanda Barnhart’s class -- Jackie Morales-Orellana and Troy Hartley
Shelli Horabik’s class -- Faith Wright and Christopher Velazquez-Raygoza
Cheryl Myers’ class -- Zoe Brown and Mason Cribb
Katherine Tinman’s class -- Emily Crawford and Leonel Hernandez
Nikki Wojcik’s class -- Sarah Campbell and Jack VerCrouse
Fourth grade
Janette Babcock’s class -- Kaylee Cook and Joe Chaffin
Detra Brannon’s class -- Kyle Cooper and Ja’Keria Utsey
Macie Fitzgerald’s class -- Jessica Muniz-Zapata and Connor Pugh
Grace Lifer’s class -- Kyleigh Sharpe and Kayon Evans
Hannah Rohrer’s class -- Joye Booth and Cohlen Rose
Fifth grade
Jennifer Amick’s class -- MyKenzie Britner and Jacob Harmon
Beth Brooks’ class -- Estrella “Star” Agustin-Marino and Kev’von Simmons
Catelyn Coltrin’s class -- Isbella Lynch and Landon Bowers
Michelle Gundlach’s class -- Azaria Rouse and Isahia Clemons
Sherri McKelvin’s class -- Dezirae Stacy and Christian Muniz-Zapata