Rhonda Banks, project manager with the West Virginia Division of Highways, joined Alderson Mayor Travis Copenhaver, Alderson Elementary Safe Routes to School Coordinator Karen Hostetter, and a large group of teachers, students, parents and friends who participated in the International Walk to School day on Oct. 9. This was the sixth year that Alderson has participated in the annual event. The Alderson Women’s Club donated a light breakfast which was served in the social room of the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church. Alderson Chief of Police Jeremy Bennett provided escort during the 15 minute walk to school. Mayor Copenhaver said, “The support of the citizens of Alderson is very evident in this annual event. I’m proud and grateful that Alderson Elementary is the only school in the state which has received a Safe Routes to School Grant every year since the program began.” Another important escort for the event was “Leo” the lion mascot who walks each Wednesday with the children in the Walking School Bus. It meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church parking lot and adults provide supervision for the walk to school.
All students are welcome to participate in this effort to get children to adopt a healthier lifestyle by walking to school. The Safe Routes to School Program is funded through a Federal Highway Administration grant administered by the WV Division of Highways.
