More than 100 Houston Independent School District second-grade students at two elementary schools were given new bicycles Friday afternoon, donated by the Emancipation Park Conservancy as part of its holiday season celebrations.

Second-graders at Thompson and Blackshear elementary schools were surprised to learn they were receiving the new bikes.

“We hope these bicycles will brighten the lives of our hardworking students,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “The Emancipation Park Conservancy is a wonderful community partner, and we always appreciate their support.”

“It was a joy to see the smiles on the faces of these students when they received their bikes,” Emancipation Park Conservancy Executive Director Lucy Bremond said. “Thanks to the generous support of our partners Baker Hughes and CYCLE (Changing Young Children’s Lives through Education) who helped make this event possible.”

Students also received helmets, reflectors, and educational materials on bike safety.