2022 Rogers Scholar Kendyll Hall teamed up with a talented group of engineering students to give 12- year-old Gavin Riddle of Floyd County the surprise of a lifetime.

The Floyd Central High School students designed an adaptive bat mobile costume for Gavin to use to get around in while going trick-or-treating on Halloween. Gavin, who said the gift was something he will never forget, hopes it will inspire others to do something for those who have mobility issues.

The bat mobile, with a personalized license plate, was built from donated materials, using skills the engineering students learn in class every day.

It was a special moment when Gavin saw the bat mobile costume for the first time. “Seeing him smile and give us the thumbs-up was the most rewarding thing that could have come from it. I hope to continue to do special projects like this in the future to further build my relationship with my community.”

The work on the bat mobile costume by the engineering students earned them the “Innovation Award” at the SOAR Summit.

Graduates of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program are required to complete a community service project. For more information about Rogers Scholars, visit www.centeryouthprograms.com.