Sixty Audie Murphy Middle School students enjoyed a summer day Wednesday building their very own bicycle with the help of some special mentors.
The seventh- and eighth-graders who answered the call to participate in “Wrenches to Wheels,” stepped into the school cafeteria and after a safety briefing, made their way to a box containing bicycle parts.
With the help of a large group of volunteers from HEB and representatives from Fort Hood’s General Motors Shifting Gears soldier transition program, students used provided tools to piece together the bikes.
In the end, they walked (or rode) away with their new bike with freshly inflated tires, fitted helmet and a new mesh backpack, all donated from sponsors, including HEB and Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center.
Christopher Willis, Sr., a special education behavior management teacher at Audie Murphy Middle School volunteered to participate.
“I was a little nervous because I haven’t really assembled a bike, but I thought we could figure it out together and get it done,” he said.
“This is about mentoring. We are emphasizing following instructions and how to demonstrate leadership and along with that a lot of excitement.”
“The student I was with was very proactive and humble and we were there to help him. We were excited and we were happy to help him. We were able to show him the right way to use the tools,” Willis said.
A positive memory and the satisfaction of building something alongside friends and a caring adult will pay dividends, the teacher said.
“We all worked together to build a bike and it was fun. I like having a new bike,” said eighth-grader Anastasia George.
“I learned how to cooperate. It was exciting to actually see a bike be built and build my own bike. (My mentor) was amazing,” she said.
“We got to build bikes and learn the safety rules,” said seventh-grader Carson Chambers. “I think it was fun. I had fun with my mentor.”
Both students said they were happy to have another three weeks to try out their bikes before school starts.
Photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720327757199
