At Wallace Elementary’s 5th grade graduation, the joy was already high, and what happened next sent excitement into overdrive.
During the school year, 5th graders participated in the Let’s Go bike program in PE class, learning valuable skills about bike safety, riding, and transportation. As graduation day approached, students heard one lucky 5th grader would ride off into summer with a brand-new bicycle.
But when the big moment arrived, the surprise shifted gears.
Every single 5th grader—all 62 of them—was gifted a bike, helmet, lock, and light to take home. When the announcement was made, students screamed with joy, bursting with cheers and wide-eyed disbelief. The graduation turned into a celebration none of them will ever forget.
The bikes were more than just handed out—they were personally adjusted for each student on the spot by staff from ESD 112, who run the Let’s Go program throughout Southwest Washington. Students left with bikes perfectly sized for them, ready for summer adventures on two wheels. One bike was an adaptive bicycle for a student with a physical disability, ensuring every student could join the ride.
The Let’s Go program is part of Move Ahead Washington, a statewide transportation initiative funded by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). It’s administered by the Cascade Bicycle Club (CBC) in partnership with the AESD Network, bringing bike safety education—and unforgettable memories—to students across the state.
Thanks to this incredible program, Wallace’s 5th grade class is rolling confidently into middle school—with helmets on, locks secured, lights blinking, and smiles on their faces.