Collier School Mountain Bike Team Receives 6 Trek Bikes

Collier School, a program of Collier Youth Services a non-profit organization that empowers at-risk youth to grow toward their potential in an environment of belonging, dignity, and hope, is proud to announce the donation of 6 new Trek bikes from the Trek Store of Middletown to their Mountain Bike Team.

Founded in 2017, the Collier School Mountain Bike Team competes across the state against other public and private schools as well as private mountain bike teams. “Mountain biking is a big deal for our students,” explained Pablo Samuel, Collier High School Principal and Mountain Bike Coach. “The mountain biking community is incredibly welcoming to everyone. The inclusion and social atmosphere of the races help our students build social skills, plus they spend the day outdoors in nature which is extremely beneficial. The addition of new bikes will also help our students become more competitive which will certainly boost their self-esteem,” Mr. Samuel continued. Through the help of Ken Seebeck, League Director of the New Jersey Interscholastic Cycling League, a project of National Interscholastic Cycling Association, the Collier School Mountain Bike Team secured 6 Trek bikes. Mr. Seebeck has frequently been moved by the positive spirit of the Collier Mountain Bike Team and advocated on their behalf to Jeff Bisbee and Scott Hawxhurst, managers of the Trek Store of Middletown. The Trek Store of Middletown graciously donated $3,000 to the Collier Mountain Bike Team toward their purchase of new bikes. Mr. Bisbee and Mr. Hawxhurst stopped by Collier School on Thursday, March 29, 2018 to present the Mountain Bike Team with their new bikes.

In partnership with the State of NJ and sending school districts, Collier School meets the needs of students who have needs that cannot be met in their prior district. Collier School's departmentalized academic program prepares students for admission into four-year colleges, community colleges, and technical/vocational schools, and full-time employment. Collier's strong counseling component combines individual as well as group therapy that encourages and supports social and emotional growth for all students. Clubs, sport teams, and activities round out the educational program, giving students extracurricular opportunities similar to those offered in public schools.

About Collier Youth Services:

For over 90 years, Collier Youth Services has focused on improving the lives of underserved youth with academic, developmental, and emotional challenges. Collier operates an array of programs, including Collier High School, Collier Middle School, Extended School Year programs, Collier Group Home, and Collier House, in addition to Kateri Day Camp. Collier’s mission is built on an unwavering belief in the worth and potential of all individuals and their capacity for change. For more details, please visit www.collieryouthservices.org or call Russell Gartz at 732-946-4771 x415.