NORWAY — The walk-to-school program at Guy E. Rowe School has received the Next Generation Award from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for its “spirit of collaboration and community.”

Coalition officials said it’s one of the most successful Walking School Bus programs in the state.

The award was presented to program coordinators Rebecca Powell and Saara Leduc at a ceremony in Ellsworth on Feb. 4.

Sixty-three students signed up for the first day of the program last September. All students in grades one through six who live within half a mile of the school must walk to classes at the Main Street school year-round. Trained and vetted volunteers, such as parents, police officers, school staff and others, accompany them.

“I think it’s great,” volunteer chaperone and Fire Chief Dennis Yates said of the award.

“I have a lot of fun with the kids and it’s good exercise,” he said.

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The nationwide Walking School Bus program is to improve health and save transportation costs. The Oxford Hills School District is projected to save about $18,000 annually.

Rowe Elementary School Principal Dan Hart said implementing and sustaining the program has been a team effort.

“I am pleased with how well the Walking School Bus has been running in the Norway/Guy E. Rowe community,” he said. “This is due in a large part to the hard work and dedication to the program by our WSB coordinator, Rebecca Powell, Rowe Elementary School teachers and staff members, and many parents and community volunteers.”

Hart said he was especially grateful to people who donated rain gear and winter clothing to students. He also extended thanks to individuals and organizations that helped make the program successful

The program is a collaboration among Guy E. Rowe Elementary School and Oxford Hills School District, the Norway police and fire departments,  Norway Savings Bank, Androscoggin Bank and KeyBank, local businesses including Ari’s Pizza and the New Balance Company, the local Healthy Maine Partnership, Healthy Oxford Hills, numerous parents and community volunteers.

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine was founded by a small group of cyclists in 1992 and has grown into one of the most effective bike advocacy groups in the country.

According to its mission statement, “The use of sustainable and active transportation reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and minimizes the cumulative impact on our natural environment. When people choose to bike or walk, they make a decision that is healthier for themselves, their community, and the environment.”

ldixon@sunmediagroup.net


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