(Riverton, WY) – Thanks to the efforts of the FCSD #25 Johnson-O’Malley Program Indian Education Parent Committee and the Northern Arapaho Business Council (NABC), Native American kindergartners in Riverton received brand new bicycles in Jaycee Park Tuesday night.
The Johnson-O’Malley Program (JOM) is a “federally funded program that assists in the educational needs of Native American students by providing supplemental funding for programs within the school system.”
In response to the Committee member’s request to the NABC, the Council donated brand new 16″ Huffy bicycles to all outgoing FCSD #25 Native American kindergarten students, regardless of tribal affiliation.
h/t Nicole Wagon
“From the FCSD #25 Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Parent Committee, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make today such a meaningful celebration for our outgoing Native American kindergarten students,” Committee Vice-Chair Nicole Wagon shared. “Today was a powerful reminder of what happens when community comes together for its children.”
Wagon expressed gratitude to the NABC for its generous donation.
“The joy, laughter, and excitement from our children said everything, these gifts created memories they will carry for a lifetime. For some students, this was their very first bicycle. One child proudly shared that they had never owned a bike before, while another immediately asked for the training wheels to be removed and took off riding with confidence. Moments like these are exactly why this support matters.”
Wagon also thanked:
- Councilman Mr. Preston Moss for personally presenting the bicycles and celebrating this milestone with our students.
- The NABC Maintenance Crew for assembling every bicycle with care and dedication
- Mr. Shawn Brown, CEO of Arapaho First, for transporting and securely storing the bicycles until pickup
- Mr. Roy B. Brown, Native American Education & Federal Programs Director, for his continued leadership and support of District #25 JOM and Native student success
- Mr. Greg Oldman, for his many hours assembling and transporting bicycles so every child could ride safely and proudly
The following elected officers of the FCSD #25 JOM Parent Committee were also recognized “for their continued service, advocacy, and commitment to Native students and families.”
- Chair: Marie Watt
- Vice-Chair: Nicole Wagon
- Secretary: Raelene Roof
- Treasurer: Brooke Sage
“Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and supported this celebration,” Wagon added. “We invite you to enjoy the memories and share in the joy, unity, and community spirit that made today so special. Hóóxóónoh’oo3eihi’ — may we continue moving forward together in a good way.”
If you were unable to attend the bike giveaway presentation, your child’s bicycle is still available for pickup at the Arapaho First Building (4468 Airport Rd) or the 789 Truck Stop during regular business hours.