New Bikes Go To Top Readers at Dunedin Elementary

Editor's Note: This is a letter from the Dunedin Masonic Lodge.

The Brothers of  were pleased to be on hand at  for the school's year-end assembly recognizing scholastic achievement on May 25.

The Lodge presented bicycles for the school's top readers as part of its "Bikes-for-Books" program, whereby students earn points for the books they read throughout the school year. At the end of the year, the top boy and girl readers from each grade (kindergarten through fifth) are recognized by the Masons with a new bicycle. 

"This program has encouraged the students to embrace reading," Cindy Borland, Dunedin Elementary reading/literacy coach, said. "We hope this will be a habit that will stay with them for a lifetime."

Pinellas County Sheriff's Dep. Spencer Gross was also on hand to brief the children on bicycle safety and present free helmets to the winners.

"Masons have long been supporters of public school systems, Dunedin Lodge is no exception. We are proud of our relationship with Dunedin Elementary and pleased to support them not only with the 'Bikes-for-Books' but with other programs as well. Youth represents the future for our country. It is just common sense we support them any way we can," Ken Giesow, master of Dunedin Lodge, said.

Dunedin Masons on hand for the presentation included Dave Boddy, Tim Bryce, Ken Giesow, Shannon McIntosh, Mike Palenik, BJ Sammon, Leo Saito and Rome Scerbo.

All of the bikes were paid for by individual donations from Dunedin Lodge members.

This was the fourth year the Masons sponsored the "Bikes-for-Books" program.