ABATE says thanks with check

BUTTE — “Oh!” was the hushed, but audible, sound as students at Butte Elementary School saw the big check.

Don Peek and Brendon Knox with Valley Abate Alaska came out to say “thank you” to Butte Elementary School, its administration and students for the use of the school parking lot.

Valley ABATE Alaska issued a statement that reads, in part, “Valley ABATE wishes to express our appreciation to Butte Elementary School for support of Motorcycle Riders Education.”

In personal remarks to the school, Knox said that “the use of your parking lot has made it possible for our program to grow.”

Knox explained some about the ABATE program to the students.

“Your parking lot and all the cooperation and help you have given us has enabled Valley ABATE, since 2008, to train 710 Basic Riders students, 81 Experienced Riders students and six Three-Wheeled Basic Riders students,” he said.

He explained that the Three Wheeled Basic Riders course is a new feature of the training added this past summer.

“These rider education courses give riders the skills and knowledge they need to have to survive on our highways. It also makes it easier for riders to receive their license,” he said.

At a meeting in August, all members attending voted unanimously to donate $5,000 to Butte Elementary School. In presenting the big check to Butte’s principal Dan Kitchin, and his team of leadership students, Knox said, “We would like the school administration to apply the funds to whatever area they see fit.”

Kitchin said the staff and parents at Butte would decide how best to use the funds in the near future.

As is the case with every Mat-Su school, Butte School serves as a community meeting place and a place where families bond and find common interests. The ABATE motorcycle education group is one example of community groups that use school grounds, especially during the summer months when school is not in session and is more freely accessible.

For more information about ABATE and its programs, call 746-7295 or visit valleyabate.com.