GRAVETTE — May 31 was an exciting day for students at Gravette Upper Elementary School. After several rainy days, they were allowed out on the playground that morning to witness an event they had worked toward. It was a display of extreme kindness toward a schoolmate, and it was made possible by their efforts. The event had already been postponed because of rain, and each one was eagerly anticipating the celebration.
Mandy Barrett, principal at the school, explained that the students at GUE were asked to come up with a project and decide what they wanted to do. They chose to raise money to buy a specially-equipped bicycle for Brock Beccard, a handicapped classmate who is unable to ride a regular bicycle. They immediately began collecting change toward that goal. The project first started out to be a "penny war," but they soon had to change the name because students brought in all sorts of change and even some paper money. The students reached their goal within two weeks.
Students circled the track in the playground behind the school and, after a short wait, Brock appeared on his special bike. His mother, Michaela Beccard, rode behind him on the three-wheeler. They pedaled along and made a full lap around the track as the other children looked on and chanted, "Go, Brock! Go, Brock! Go, Brock!"
Mrs. Beccard explained that obtaining this special bike was the fulfillment of a dream for Brock. She said he was born with a rare degenerative disorder and didn't walk until he was three. Doctors told his parents he would never live to be a year old and he is now 9, so he has really beat the odds. The Beccards moved to Gravette from Bentonville when he was in kindergarten.
Two other special needs students, Maleah Gregrich and Zane Johnson, also appeared on special bikes and made a lap around the track. Principal Barrett explained that the school had received a $2,500 grant for adaptive PE equipment for special needs students through the Cox Charities Community Investment Grant fund. These Cox Charities grants fund nonprofit programs and services in the areas of youth, education, social issues and the arts.
To add to the excitement, members of the Gravette fire department were on hand with the city's new ladder truck and a smaller pumper truck. The big, shiny trucks were parked at the north end of the oval track and helped add a bright note to the occasion.
Community on 06/21/2017