Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Brunty was a LADD student. He is an ISD student. We regret the error. 

CASSOPOLIS — Sam Adams Elementary School recently took an opportunity to put a smile to an employee’s face after gifting a recess supervisor with a brand new bike.

School officials presented Nike Brunty, 21, with the bike during the annual Ranger Pride assembly last week, as a surprise to Brunty. The school also gifted Brunty with new winter gear for him to be warm while he is supervising outdoor recess.

“I kind of figured it out during the assembly, but I was still so surprised when Deputy MaKenzie [Kreiner], brought a new set of wheels out from behind the stage,” Brunty said. “I even rode it around the gym. It was really special. It was amazing.”

As he currently does not have a driver’s license, Brunty rides his bike to and from work everyday to ensure the children are safe during recess. Eventually Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy MaKenzie Kreiner noticed that Brunty’s bike was getting worn and suggested that the school donate one to him. The Knights of Columbus donated the bike to the school to give to Brunty.

“I really kind of needed a new [bike]. My old one was getting old, out of shape and very worn,” Brunty said. “I love this new bike. … I rode up and down on it a few times, and it is so much nicer than my old one.”

Dee Mellville-Voss, Sam Adams Elementary principal and former teacher of Brunty’s said that the school was happy to gift the bike to Brunty as he has become part of the school’s family.

“We love Nike and we can always count on him,” Melville-Voss said. “During the summers, I will always see him out on his bike and he will say that he’s ready to come back, and we are ready to have him back. … We do whatever we can to help him and keep him learning.”

Melville-Voss added that Nike has never once been late to work, which shows her that he is as dedicated to the children he works with as the school is him.

“[Nike] is great. The kids really like him,” she said. “I’m glad we were able to do this for him.”

Nike said that he is not only thankful for the new bike, but for the community that Sam Adams has provided for him and the way that the staff has taken him in and welcomed him.

“I always tell the kids that they are my school family and I am their school family. … We are close and look out for each other here,” Brunty said. “Without the school program, I don’t know what I would do. I love the kids. I love the school. I’m just happy to be here. They really take care of me.”