MANSFIELD, Ohio — Paul Baird, principal at Temple Christian School, is road tripping across America by bike.
Before images of leather jackets and Harley-Davidsons come to mind, it’s not that kind of bike, but the good old fashioned bicycle.
As part of Temple Christian School’s annual Race for Education fundraiser, Baird will cycle from the school parking to the Santa Monica Pier in California–a 2,329-mile trek.
Race for Education helps support the school and its programs. For this fundraiser, students run laps in the school parking lot for one hour on a certain day. Some students are sponsored per lap while others are given a flat donation for participating, Baird said.
This year, students are allowed to use their bicycle to complete their laps. In keeping with this new feature, Baird decided he would make it a little more unique by heading west on a 13-day bicycle trip, logging almost 180 miles a day.
Baird said the school would like to raise $60,000, and he hopes his trip may spur others on to donate.
“I talked to a few people about it,” he said. “Some people think it’s crazy, but a lot of people think it’s something that will help spread the word about it (the fundraiser).”
The proceeds will help the school purchase new playground equipment, become accredited through the American Association of Christians Schools, add bathrooms and a concessions area to the Beal Road soccer field, continue technology updates, maintain Edline, and help keep tuition cost affordable.
In addition to helping support the school and its programs, Baird hopes the fundraiser raises more awareness about Temple Christian School.
He pointed out that TCS students’ SAT scores rank among the highest in the area. He also highlighted the school’s noteworthy performance in athletics, using the boys varsity soccer team as an example, which won the Ohio Christian School Athletic Association state soccer championship last fall.
Baird also hopes he might encourage others to venture outside their comfort zone by trying something they may not think possible to achieve.
While he’s never attempted a journey like this before, he said enjoys riding bikes and has always wanted to complete a long-distance trip.
“I have an elliptical at home, and that’s where I’m getting most of my riding in right now,” he said. He’s also in the process of training for a marathon in February.
His ride across America begins Monday, March 14. There will be a send-off rally that morning at 8 a.m. at the school.
Baird said he wants to give back.
“Christian education had a great impact in my life spiritually, academically and athletically,” he said. “I want to give back.”
Those interested in donating money to the Race for Education fundraiser are encouraged to visit www.templechristian.org/race.
Baird added that for those who may be unable to contribute funds but are interested in learning more about Temple Christian School, there is going to be an open house at the school on Tuesday, April 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.
