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Willowbrook wins Bentonville school biking initiative

Willowbrook Elementary School won the top prize in a bike contest to promote student health and to better understand school infrastructure needs, according to campaign organizers.

“The teachers and staff at Willowbrook are beyond proud of our students for their dedication to riding their bikes to school,” said Christina Hamilton, Willowbrook principal. “Our students work hard every day, inside and outside of the classroom, and their efforts in this competition are evidence of this as well as their commitment to their health and wellness.”

Runway Group will donate more than $40,000 to Bentonville schools in response to the students’ cycling efforts, said Krista Cupp, Runway’s communications director. Steuart Walton and Tom Walton, Runway founders, are funding the grants, she said. Tom Walton delivered the prize to Willowbrook on Wednesday by bicycle.

The School District partnered with Runway Group for the contest. Runway is a Bentonville-based company founded by the Waltons that invests in real estate, outdoor initiatives, hospitality and businesses committed to moving Northwest Arkansas forward, according to the organization’s website.

Willowbrook will receive a $5,000 grant as the school with the biggest increase in ridership, according to a Runway Group news release. Each of the 17 other participating schools will receive a $2,500 grant, Cupp said. Read MORE.