Montgomery County Commission honors National Bike Month and state-championship student teams

The Montgomery County Commission opened its May meeting with presentations recognizing local cycling initiatives and championship student-athletes.

A representative of the Montgomery Bicycle Club told the commission that May is National Bike Month and outlined a calendar that includes We Love Bikes Day, Bike to Work Day and an International Ride of Silence to remember bicyclists injured or killed. "We promote cycling safety and cycling awareness in our community to make it a safe and enjoyable recreational sport and also a safe form of transportation," the presenter said. The commission issued a proclamation recognizing May as bike month and posed for photos.

Commissioners also recognized players and coaches from Montgomery Academy after both the boys and girls basketball teams won state titles. The proclamation noted the girls team won the state final by a 47-point margin, the largest margin in state girls championship history, and singled out players named to all-state tournament teams.

Coach Jeremy Arant told commissioners the teams' success came from sacrifice and a focus on the group rather than individuals. "For me, when I think about this team, it's their sacrifice and willingness to sacrifice for each other," he said. Coach Katie Barton, whose team captured the girls' program's first state championship, said the players' chemistry, teamwork and selflessness were the season's strengths. "When they faced adversity, they'd lean on each other," Barton said.

Players introduced themselves at the dais; the commission presented copies of proclamations to coaches and asked attendees to accept the recognition on behalf of students, families and supporters.

The presentations occupied the opening portion of the meeting and concluded before the consent agenda and formal business began.