Motorcyclists doing 118-mile ride as fundraiser for Jason Johnston scholarship
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Motorcyclists start a 118-mile ride today, leaving at the Elks Lodge on East State Street. The dice run is a fundraiser for the Jason Johnston scholarship.
That scholarship is in memory of Jason Johnson, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Dec. 26, 2009. Johnston was a specialist and paratrooper in the Army. He was on his second tour in Afghanistan. He completed a 13-month-deployment in 2008 and left again for the war-torn country in October 2009.
The $1,000 annual memorial scholarship that goes to a student pursuing a career in a helping profession, such as a nurse, doctor, firefighter, counselor or other social services.
“The recipient of the award should be of good character, show dedication, effort and potential while working to the best of their,” according to a description of the scholarship provided by the Elks. “Specialist Johnston believed in the Golden Rule – ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’”
The riders gather at the start of the ride.
The Elks Lodge will be serving food later this evening the band Begging Angels will perform. That event is open to the community with a $5 cover charge.
Mike Clemons served as ride captain for more than 50 riders. He welcomes the group for the 10th annual ride as a memorial for Johnston. The Albion Elks Riders organized today’s ride.
The riders broke into three groups and staggered the starts every 20 minutes. The route included stops at the Elks in Lockport, the Silo in Lewiston and the Open Air Bar in Newfane.
Brad Johnston, Jason’s father, joins the other riders for a pre-ride talk, where they shared the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Brad has been part of all 10 rides in memory of his son.
There is memorial stone for Jason Johnston at the Elks Lodge in Albion.
