American Falls, ID — September 30, 2025 — William Thomas Middle School is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Community Impact Grant from Outride, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through cycling.
This grant was written to support the Riding for Focus class, coached by Hailey Lusk, for seventh- and eighth-grade students. Grant funds will be used to purchase essential equipment to maintain bicycles and keep the class exciting and accessible for all students who participate.
The Riding for Focus program teaches students not only the joy of cycling but also how to ride safely in the community. Students are learning to share the road with vehicles, large farm equipment, and trucks that are more common during the fall harvest season, while also recognizing the importance of visibility and safety as daylight hours shorten in October.
In addition to classroom sessions and community rides, students will have the opportunity to take their skills to the next level with an upcoming trip to City Creek, where they will experience singletrack trails in the mountains. Helping to lead and inspire the younger riders are two American Falls High School seniors, Katelyn Evans and Wade Williams, who are assisting Coach Lusk in coordinating rides and mentoring students.
The program also receives strong support from School Resource Officer Larry Jones, who partners with the class to encourage safe riding practices and community awareness.
“Cycling is a powerful way to build focus, confidence, and community,” said Lusk. “With the help of Outride, our seniors, and Officer Jones, our students are gaining lifelong skills that will benefit them both on and off the bike.”
Outride’s mission is to increase access to cycling so that every young person can experience the social, emotional, and physical benefits of riding a bike. The William Thomas Middle School program reflects this mission by ensuring students have the skills and resources to enjoy cycling safely, both now and in the future.
For more information about Outride and its Community Impact Grants, visit www.outridebike.org.
