By Kathy Chouteau
A group of pro BMX athletes recently rode into Richmond’s Grant Elementary to help students “gear up” for success during a school assembly that showcased the “Go Green Live Clean BMX Show” organized by Luis Hoyos and Mark Rubio.
During the 40-minute presentation, the BMX athletes—who double as role models—put on a “choreographed professional presentation” that included gravity-defying bike stunts, as well as key motivational messages such as the “5 Secrets to Success,” according to Principal Farnaz Heydari.
The pro athletes’ tips for success for the students included: Stay Drug-Free/The Foundation of Success; Live Your Dreams/Setting Big Goals; Be Motivated/Success Requires Hard Work; Respect Others/Anti-Bullying & Kindness; and Stay in School/The Importance of Never Quitting-Persevering during Testing and Showing What You Know.
“This was so exciting especially because of the repetition of the messages and expectations we’ve had for our students as a fully implemented MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) and PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) school,” said Principal Heydari.
The pro bikers’ positive tips for success weren’t the only exhilarating experiences that day. Grant Third Grade teacher Abigail Heckman recalled being one of a group of five spectators on the ground that a BMX biker jumped over and feeling the “wind from the tires rush pass my face.” She referred to the presentation as “the most exhilarating performance I have ever witnessed in a school assembly.”
The students offered rave reviews of the presentation as well. Second graders from Stephanie Wagner’s class reportedly gave the presentation “two thumbs up” and offered a general consensus that “this show was super cool!”
Click here to check out a video of a BMX presentation similar to Grant Elementary’s and here to learn more.
