Carver-Lyon students receive bicycles for improving test scores

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Twelve students at Carver-Lyon Elementary School were awarded with a brand new bicycle for showing the highest growth on their test scores.

One-by-one each winning student was called to the front of the lunchroom to receive their new set of wheels — all while being cheered on by their fellow classmates.

Each of the students in grades three through five showed the highest percentage of growth on their STAR test in English Language Arts or Math.

Principal Monica Adams says their reactions make her proud.

“It really made me feel good to see the compassion that the students had for each other. You know, celebrating each other. So that’s where I have the most pride — is in seeing how they celebrated each other,” Adams says.

Columbia-Richland Fire Department’s Chief Aubrey Jenkins personally donated all of the bicycles. For him, the kids’ reactions made it all worth it.

“That smile. Just watching them light up to get that bike. It was great. But remember they worked hard for it, so they played a major part in it. We’re just giving them something, but they played a major part in their success and that’s what it’s always about — making sure that they know that they can be successful, and with every successful person, there is always a reward,” Jenkins says.

Fourth grader Destin McLamore, won a bicycle for his test score improvement.

” I feel happy… and…excited,” he says.

A near tie left four other students very close to winning. Chief Jenkins says he’ll be buying a bicycle for them as well.

“Every day is an opportunity for you to learn. So I think our students were able to see that it doesn’t mean that you have to have the highest score, but that if you put forth that effort, that an effort is even worth being recognized so them being able to see that they have that opportunity to grow,” says Adams.