Whiz Kid: Lisa Nogueras

There was an excited buzz at Monday morning as fourth and fifth grade students filed into the quaint cafeteria for an awards assembly. None knew why a shiny green bicycle was on the stage, but they were about to learn why.

Recently, Hillsborough School Board Chair Dorothea Edgecomb had chosen Cleveland Elementary to receive one of several bikes donated to the district by Regions Bank. The bike was destined to be given to a student who had earned a spot on the honor roll.

Edgecomb's sister, Evora Pimento, appeared at the school on behalf of Edgecomb. Pimento is a former Cleveland Cub who spent 12 years as a social worker in the school district.

Superintendent MaryEllen Elia shook hands with students as they were presented with awards for honor roll, citizenship, perfect attendance and special efforts in math and English.

Principal Peter Russo asked the crowd of students how their classmates earned the awards that were presented.

"Work hard in school," one student replied.

"Don't get in trouble," another said.

After the certificates were handed out, Russo let the students in on the secret about the shiny green bicycle: one of the students on the new honor roll list would have their name chosen from a basket to win the bicycle.

Elia called for a drum roll as she shuffled the names around in the basket, and the students and teachers delivered enthusiastically. The crowd erupted in excited applause when Elia called 11-year-old Lisa Nogueras's name.

Nogueras hid her face, emotional as she walked to the front of the room. Her classmates cheered.

"I was shocked," a smiling Nogueras said. "I didn't think I was actually going to win!"

And how will she use her shiny new prize?

"I'll probably ride it to school so I don't have to walk anymore," she said.