At Smith-Wade-El Elementary School, the holiday season arrived on two wheels, carried by kindness and a new partnership rooted in community. A fourth-grade student named Vada was surprised with a brand-new bicycle through a collaboration between Smith-Wade-El and the Lancaster Township Police Department. It was the department’s very first bike donation, marking the beginning of what they hope will become an annual tradition of connection and giving.
When asked how she was feeling, Vada paused, smiled, and said, “Awesome, but also tired.” The excitement was evident, even as she searched for the right words. When asked what it meant to receive a bike for the holidays, she shared honestly, “I don’t really know. It’s surprising. I’ve tried to ride a bike before. It was my uncle’s, but I didn’t really know how.”
Now, with a bike of her own, that uncertainty has turned into possibility. “I’m really excited to have my own,” Vada said. “Once I really learn how to ride it, I can ride it to school and home.” While she’s still learning, she already has support cheering her on. “My uncle’s trying to teach me,” she added, knowing that now her parents can help too. With practice, patience, and encouragement, she’s ready to get the hang of it.
For Vada’s family, the moment was both unexpected and deeply meaningful. Her mom, Tara Miller, shared how surprised she was to receive the call. “I was not expecting the call that I got last week,” she said. “But as soon as he said it, I was like, that’s absolutely amazing. I know she’s been wanting one, and it’s great to know that she was picked out of all of these students.”
Tara spoke with pride about the kind of child Vada is every day at school. “She’s just a really great child. She’s super friendly, super smart,” she shared. “From what I’ve heard from teachers, she doesn’t have any problem going in and helping students without even being asked. She sees somebody struggling, she’s there.” Her words echoed what staff see daily, a student who leads with kindness and care.
That character was central to the selection process and reflected the values Smith-Wade-El sees in students every day. When the Lancaster Township Police Department reached out to the district asking for help identifying a student, Smith-Wade-El responded quickly. Dean of Students Brad Koehler worked alongside Michelle Wilson, the school social worker, to thoughtfully select a student who would truly benefit from the gift.
“They wanted to extend a hand to welcome themselves to the community,” Koehler explained, “but also bridge the gap of communication between schools and the township police department.” He continued, “We selected a student who could really use a bike over the holiday season. Vada is so kind and considerate to all students. She’s willing to help. She’s a hard worker in the classroom, and she’s such a leader around here. There was no better, more deserving student at this time.”
For the Lancaster Township Police Department, this moment represented more than a single gift. Chief Bradley Getz shared that the department officially began earlier this year and wanted to start their presence in the community with intention. “We wanted to start a tradition by giving a bicycle to a deserving student within the school district,” he said. “This is our first. Our inaugural year. We’re hoping to make it a yearly tradition.”
The bike itself was made possible through collective effort. “The whole police department chipped in to purchase the bike,” Chief Getz shared. “It’s from all of us. I’m just here to hand it out.” For a department new to the community, the goal was clear. “We want the community to know that we’re interested in interacting with them, getting their input, and building good bonds on a personal level.”
Principal Amy Martz reflected on how the moment aligned with the values Smith-Wade-El works to instill every day. “It’s great to see the Lancaster Township Police Department come together for the sake of our children,” she said. “The fact that this is the first time they are presenting a bicycle to one of our students is amazing. It ties directly into our PBIS expectations of being responsible, respectful, and safe within our community.”
At the School District of Lancaster, we believe community is built through everyday actions and shared responsibility. This bike donation was more than a holiday surprise. It was a reminder that when schools, families, and community partners work together, students feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
For Vada, it’s the start of a new chapter. One pedal at a time, surrounded by encouragement and a community ready to ride alongside her.
