MOULTRIE, Ga. — Okapilco Elementary School third grade student Bowen Ricks, in Ava Stone’s class, was recently recognized as the winner of the Perfect Attendance bicycle and helmet for the first quarter of school.

The names of all student who met the criteria of being present all 45 days and with three or fewer tardies were placed in a drawing and Bowen was the winner. He’s in the front of this photo, flanked by, from left, Tim Ricks, Kim Ricks and Tonja Merritt, the school social worker.

Merritt has worked closely with the students, parents, and staff to encourage students to be responsible and come to school every day. The bicycle and helmet were donated by Wendy’s Hamburgers, as were Frosty treats used as perfect attendance incentives.