CLYATTVILLE — As a reward to students for raising money for the school, Thrillers BMX put on a BMX show for students Monday morning at Clyattville Elementary School.

The show hosted three professional bicyclists who performed tricks and stunts for the students and teachers.

In order to attend the show students had to qualify by raising a certain amount of money in a fundraiser, Principal Tenry Berry said. However, to help include as many children as possible, Berry opened the show to any student who didn’t qualify to see the show for free by selling tickets for $2. The money from ticket sales went to the fundraiser.

Students raised money for the school’s general fund, Berry said. The general fund is used to buy incentive and instructional items for students and teachers. Items include school supplies, trophies and rewards.

During the show, Thrillers BMX used a launch ramp more than 10-feet high in the school gymnasium to do tricks including backflips and jumping over the principal. 

Berry expressed he was nervous about being jumped over but decided to do it “for the kids,” he said. 

While the students watched the tricks, Thrillers BMX took time during the show to showcase the protection the riders wore, including proper footwear, shinguards, knee pads and helmets. 

At the end of the show, the Thrillers charged the students with chasing their dreams and encouraged the students to use the riders as a testament that if you chase your dreams and work hard, their dreams can become a reality. To finish off the show and drive the point home, the Thrillers BMX riders led the students in a chant of “yes we can.” 

Berry said the show was a “success.”

“I think it was very good,” he said. “I think the kids really enjoyed it and I like the message they brought.” 

In total, the school was able to raise $8,000 for the fundraiser, Berry said. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.