Jarret Romanello, The St. Lucie Post

April 30, 2021

(ST LUCIE COUNTY) A brother and sister have new bikes to ride to school thanks to the Greater Love Family Worship Center in Fort Pierce and the St. Lucie Sheriff’s Police Athletic League.

Jorell & Joshema Haughabook lost their father a year ago in a hit and run accident in Fort Pierce and walk to St. Lucie Elementary School every day. “They are truly two amazing children that have had a tough year and deserve this,” Dr. Michelle Herrington, the school’s principal said.

Jorell, a fifth-grader, gets his bike from the St. Lucie Sheriff’s PAL. The bike was won at a raffle at a PAL Boxing Tournament earlier this month, and the winner donated the bike back so a deserving child could have it.

“Jorell is a kind, well-mannered and positive kid,” says Octavious Robinson, a teacher at the school and pastor at the nearby Greater Love Family Worship Center. “We need to build these kids’ self-esteem and ensure they get to school safely.” Mr. Robinson’s church donated Joshema her pink bike so the siblings can ride to school together. “It brings a little joy to their lives after a tragedy,” says Mr. Robinson.

Jorell and Joshema live in Fort Pierce with their mother and grandmother and look forward to the bike rides together. “We have a great school and great community; I am happy to see the community come together to support this family,” Assistant Principal Kathy Potenza said.