BMX Stunt Team brings thrilling show with positive message to Robb Elementary

By Emily Wright

LOCK HAVEN, PA – On Monday the Freestyle Connection BMX Stunt Team, sponsored by the Keystone Central Foundation and Robb Elementary PTO, brought their exhilarating performance to the blacktop on the playground

at Robb Elementary School. The event saw a large turnout of students and families, all seated around two BMX ramps to watch the riders’ performances.

The Freestyle Connection BMX Stunt Team, led by owner and rider Jon “The Duke” Dowker, has been entertaining audiences for over a decade. With their shows, they not only aim to thrill the crowd but also to spread positive messages to students during school performances. Dowker, who has been a BMX rider for 37 years, speaks to students during school stunt shows about bicycle safety, making healthy lifestyle choices, accomplishing goals, and building character.

The show at Robb Elementary School was no exception. The team performed 45 minutes of non-stop freestyle stunts that left the students and their families in awe. From high-flying jumps and flips to impressive tricks on ramps, the riders showcased their incredible skills with passion and precision. The crowd cheered with excitement as they watched every daring move.

In addition to performing stunts, the stunt team delivered an important anti-bullying message and also

emphasized what Robb Elementary students call “The 4-Be’s”: Be safe, Be responsible, Be respectful, Be kind, and Be the best you can be everywhere every time. “The 4-Be’s” message serves as a daily reminder to students at Robb Elementary to always treat others with kindness and respect.

During the event, Dowker took the opportunity to speak to the students about the significance of bicycle safety. As a rider with vast experience, Dowker emphasized the importance of wearing a helmet. He also touched on making good choices, accomplishing goals, and treating others with respect. The crowd listened attentively while two other members of the stunt team showcased their talents on the blacktop.

Zackery Miller, a native of Lock Haven and former student at Robb Elementary, is also a member of the stunt team. Miller, who formerly worked at The Bike Gallery in downtown Lock Haven, wowed the audience with his impressive skills and served as a great inspiration for the students. He performed one of the show’s many highlights when he included Bradley McCloskey, assistant principal at Robb Elementary. With the encouragement of students at the event, McClosky had to sit on top of one of the bike ramps as Miller soared up the ramp on his bike, flying just above McCloskey’s head before landing on the other side. The stunt showcased Miller’s talent and obvious commitment to BMX which serves as a reminder to the students that with hard work and determination, they can achieve their goals.

Another member of the BMX stunt team, Jake Calhoun, is from Long Island, NJ. When asked how long he’s been a BMX rider, he said, “Six years; every single day.” His dedication and talent for the sport were evident in his performance, as he executed each stunt flawlessly. With the help of a few volunteers, he also executed a risky

stunt when he jumped over a handful of volunteers from the crowd, who laid flat on the blacktop in a line. Seemingly without effort, Calhoun jumped over the group, ending his featured stunt on top of one of the ramps. Calhoun told The Record that he’s been a part of the Freestyle Connection BMX team for a year and a half.

Robb Principal Barth expressed his gratitude to the Keystone Central Foundation and the Robb Elementary PTO for funding and organizing the show. He also thanked the PTO for purchasing two bikes and helmets which were raffled off at the event. Each student in attendance received a ticket for the drawing, giving them a chance to win.

Not only were students treated to an incredible display of BMX stunts performed by the Freestyle Connection

BMX Stunt Team, but they also heard positive messages about the importance of anti-bullying and were encouraged to treat others with kindness. The event was a shining example of how entertainment can be combined with education to create a memorable and impactful experience for students.

The Freestyle Connection BMX Stunt Team continues to tour schools, including additional stops this week within the Keystone Central School District, in addition to performing at fairs and other events across the U.S. and Canada, spreading their message of positivity and thrilling audiences with their incredible skills. For more information about the team and their upcoming shows, visit their website at http://thefreestyleconnection.com.