Annual event honors successful youngsters with gift
Seventeen local public school students were awarded new bicycles
through the Masonic Lodge’s eighth-annual donation program that
honors successful youngsters.
Annual event honors successful youngsters with gift
Seventeen local public school students were awarded new bicycles through the Masonic Lodge’s eighth-annual donation program that honors successful youngsters.
For students to be eligible for a bicycle, they must have perfect attendance, maintain at least a C average and be well behaved both at school and at home. Teachers choose the deserving students and the bicycles are usually presented at school assemblies – typically to fifth-graders.
“Since the public school system was first established by Masons, it is a worthwhile endeavor of Masons in California to be avid supporters,” said Francis Bishop Jr. of San Benito Masonic Lodge No. 211, which partners with Athena Chapter No. 46, Order of the Eastern Star, to provide the bicycles.
The organizations raise money to support the bicycle donation program through members’ donations and fundraising projects. The groups purchase the bicycles from Muenzer’s Cyclery.
“Jerry and Jan [Muenzer, the store’s owners], have been most helpful in our program,” Bishop said. “They see that the bikes, helmets and locks are adequate to the student.”
This year, Ladd Lane, Aromas, Sunnyslope, San Juan and R.O. Hardin schools participated in the program.
“All schools participating in the bike donation program are delighted with the results,” Bishop said. “It certainly helps attendance and gives the average student a chance to gain a new bike.”
Among the recipients of a new bicycle was 11-year-old Gimena Bibriescas, who excelled in a book program offered by the National Farm Workers Service Center. Masonic Brother Art Cantu presented Gimena with the bike.
The Masonic Bicycle committee consists of Bishop, Steve Carpenter, Robert Wilson, Skip Bates and Ken Justus.
“Our schools are doing a great job and what a pleasure it is for us to be a part of their year,” Bishop said. “We look forward to many more years of our Masonic Bicycle Program, for we do support our public schools, the teachers, administrators, and most of all, the kids.”
