District Proud to Support Ride for Missing Children

Each year, the Syracuse-area Ride for Missing Children (RFMC) brings together bicyclists from the Central New York area pedaling in unison to raise awareness about child exploitation and victimization. The ride is an exciting event with riders, escorted by local law enforcement, joining together across 100 miles making stops at several schools. This year, the North Syracuse Central School District was proud to have two of our own teachers riding on behalf of our district: Melissa Dickens, a teacher at Cicero Elementary School and the mom of two Gillette Road Middle School students and Noelle Raymond, a teacher at North Syracuse Junior High School and the mom of three Smith Road Elementary School students. Melissa, whose husband and sister have done the RFMC in the past, said she was excited to be a part of it this year and is grateful for the support from her students and coworkers. “The whole day was amazing and very emotional. When we went by Main Street and I saw my colleagues and the kiddos cheering for us, it was surreal,” she said.

“When we rolled into Gillette and I saw my girls, I was overwhelmed. Thinking of them and all those that I was riding for humbled me and motivated me to protect ALL kids. When we got to Cicero, it was like an adrenaline rush! I was proud to represent CE and show the kids a way to show other people matter.”

Noelle, also a first time RFMC participant, echoed her teammate’s sentiments. She said, “I absolutely loved being a part of this event. The people who participated were all wonderful and caring people that I met. I was so happy to be surrounded by these types of people and out there for such a great cause.”

Thanks to Melissa and Noelle’s participation, along with school, family and community support, the North Syracuse Central School District helped raise nearly $2,000 for the cause. Anyone interested in joining the ladies’ team or further supporting them can contact Melissa Dickens at mdickens@nscsd.org.

The RFMC benefits the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, NY Regional Office (NCMEC/NY). The goal is to honor and bring awareness to the plight of missing children and to help support the NCMEC/NY prevention education efforts which serves schools, including those in the North Syracuse Central School District.

Many thanks to the entire school community for supporting this worthy cause. Click here to learn more about the ride or find prevention resources online by visiting www.kidsmartz.org and www.netsmartz.org.