Seven lucky Purvis Upper Elementary students go home with new bikes

PURVIS, MISS. – Wednesday afternoon students at Purvis Upper Elementary School with perfect attendance and good behavior received a special prize.

“Attendance is a very important issue that we want to support,” Purvis Upper Elementary Counselor, Cheri Smith said. “Because it is an indicator of problems further down the road, with a child’s education and being successful or becoming dropouts.”

As a way to promote perfect attendance and good behavior, the school decided to do a bike giveaway. Purvis Upper Elementary partnered with Academy Sports and Outdoors to receive a donation of 30 bicycles. “They were looking for some help,” Academy Sports and Outdoors’ store director, Jim Lamb said. “They were going to award some kids who straightened out their attendance, and it was just a perfect event to tie in with our annual bike giveaway.” Thanks to the donation, seven lucky winners went home from school with a new bicycle. “I’m excited,” Purvis Upper Elementary student and bike winner, Elaina James said. “I’m glad that I got it.” Wednesday, Purvis Upper Elementary gave away 7 bikes and 23 more still remain unclaimed. The school plans to give away those bikes throughout the year, as a way to continue rewarding students for their good behavior and coming to school every day.