(Photo by Shari Kopplin)
When it was discovered that a number of students at Dr. Edward L. Whigham Elementary School did not have safety helmets when they rode their bicycles to school, a request was made to the Town of Cutler Bay, and town manager Rafael Casals responded by having the needed helmets delivered to the school.
Assistant principal Barbara Hernan- dez-Guerra was appreciative of the prompt assistance given to their students.
“Dr. Edward L. Whigham is very fortunate to have the support and commitment of the City of Cutler Bay,” said Hernandez-Guerra. “The town manager, Mr. Ralph Casals, was able to provide our school with 20 helmets from a state grant for our students that ride bikes to school. As always, we work together as a team to help maximize safety in our schools. Each student that rides a bike to school will be presented with a bike helmet from the Cutler Bay Police Department.”
Hernandez-Guerra said there will be a bike safety program for the students as well.
“We are so excited to continue working with the City of Cutler Bay,” Hernandez-Guerra said. “They have always supported our vision. It is great to have a partnership with an entity that is so involved in promoting educational excellence and helping to maintain a safe environment.”
Fifth grade student Jovany Carvajal was pleased to have one of the helmets.
“Getting a helmet from the Town of Cutler Bay is so cool,” Carvajal said. “I will wear it every time I ride my bike in case I fall. I also found out it is a law for me to wear it.”
Third grade student Marcus Wynter also was pleased. “This town cares that I don’t hurt myself. I like my helmet.”
Casals said he was glad to be able to help the students.
“Through the leadership of the mayor and town council, the town’s administrative staff is fully committed to provide our local public schools any assistance necessary to further improve the educational experience for our town’s residents,” Casals said.
