DIX, NE - The message to the kids of Potter-Dix Elementary Wednesday morning? Small Towns Matter.

“There is an old proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child because they figured out a long time ago that small towns matter," Potter-Dix Schools superintendent Adam Patrick said.

Potter-Dix Elementary is the winner of the Small Towns Matter giveaway from News Channel Nebraska and United Health Care. The school received five-thousand dollars for winning. Each student received a bike helmet.

“We’re excited to be here and we’re excited for you to use these bicycle helmets because it’s still time to be out, being active," United Healthcare Nebraska executive director Matt Milam said. "So do that, be safe and be healthy.”

The giveaway was planned for May, just in time for a summer of biking outdoors. COVID-19 changed those plans. Social distancing has made biking more popular, though. According to consumer trend analysts at NPD group, children bike sales were up over 100 percent in April 2020 compared to 2019.

Potter-Dix was selected out of a pool of nearly 800 schools who entered the contest. At the presentation, the students speaking about how they feel growing up in a rural community.

“Living in a small town has advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is when you go somewhere, you don’t have to worry about getting lost. You can have fun with your friends," Potter-Dix student Trenton Hickman said.

“Our small town is safe. It’s great to live in our small town because when we walk to the park someone is always looking out for us," Potter-Dix student Veronica Loghry said.

Village of Dix board member and Dix native Sabine Kasten is now a fourth grade teacher at the school. She says the students are lucky to grow up where they know everyone.

“Being from a small school and community allows you to make some great friends," Kasten said. "I still have friends from elementary school that I talk to today. You get to know everyone."

Now, the students can enjoy a nice bike ride together safely, thanks to News Channel Nebraska and United Healthcare