RESERVE – Shaelin Keller, a fifth-grade student at LaPlace Elementary School, was recently awarded third place for the state of Louisiana in the 2012 Saris Cycling Poster Contest.

More than 6,300 students from 25 different states participated in the national poster contest by submitting posters centered on the theme “Bicycling takes me places.” Winners were selected at the state and national levels. Each winner will receive a bike, bike light and helmet.

 “Over the past 20 years in the bike industry, I have seen the bicycle positively change the lives of many individuals as well as communities,” explained Saris Cycling Group President Chris Fortune. “We have already witnessed the tremendous impact this contest can have on our youth.  It is one way we’re able to engage kids to think about and become more aware of the bicycle and its many beneficial uses.”

 “We are hopeful this contest will encourage fifth-graders to ride their bikes more frequently, and we are hopeful it will help shape lifelong, healthy active lifestyles,” Fortune said.

Other contest sponsors included Schwinn, Planet Bike and Lazer Sport.