By Julie Slama | [email protected]

Altara Elementary student Breck Anderson returned to attend the last two weeks of school part time with his classmates — thankfully.

“I don’t remember a thing, but I know I got a few scratches and am still trying to catch up from being gone from school,” he said.

But on March 17, 10-year-old Breck suffered more than a few scratches. After being hit by a pick-up truck while riding his bicycle near the school, there was a search for his identity since the youngster didn’t have his name with him. 

After his principal, Nicole Svee Magann, identified him and contact was made with his family, Breck was treated at Primary Children’s Hospital for a fractured skull and was placed in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling on his brain. He also suffered a broken wrist and a punctured left lung.

Breck’s classmates, neighbors and community recently rallied behind him. Organized by second-grade teacher Heather Sullivan, a student art auction was held in late May, coinciding with the school’s new mascot reveal. The art auction’s proceeds were earmarked to help with Breck’s medical needs. 

Debbie Godfrey, along with her brother and sister, came to support not only her second-grade nieces, but to support Breck with purchasing about $250 worth of student artwork, including a piece which was given to Breck. 

“I don’t know him, but with his accident and medical bills, he needs everyone’s help,” she said.

Sullivan said blank canvases were given to students in the school. 

“This allowed all the kids a chance to be super creative, to celebrate the arts and to show their support for Breck,” she said.

Another message — to wear bicycle helmets — was shared. Breck’s helmet was purchased the day before his accident and the emergency room nurse credits it to saving his life, Svee Magann said.

Breck was excited to listen to the school’s orchestra perform, check out the art and make a purchase at the book fair, where profits were to be given to his family.

“I’ve had to be inside a lot with my condition of my brain, but I like graphic novels so I can read,” he said.

By the end of the evening, more than $1,000 was collected for Breck, with more contributions expected from food truck proceeds.

Students also got a chance to paint on 45 records and play games as well as get a chance to see the school’s new mascot.

The drawing of the original Kittyhawk grasping a branch, by Altara PTA member Zanette Nordhoff, was created for the new school months after it opened in 1980. Nordhoff attended the unveiling.

The updated Kittyhawk, wearing a white scarf, leather helmet and goggles, took two years to finalize, with several community members’ input to Canyons School District graphic designer Jeff Olsen.

“The new Kittyhawk is honoring female aviators so she now is a pilot instead of having wings herself,” Svee Magann said. “It is the only mascot in the district to have a gender. It fits with our superhero theme and empowers girls. It’s also a nice tie-in with recent movies of ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Captain Marvel.’”

Third-grader Drake Davis, who was with his mother, Alicia, and sister, Cami, gave the new logo his thumbs up.

“It’s cool,” he said. “There’s a whole new look to the logo.”

However, student Braelyee Pierson wasn’t so sure about it.

“It’s more like we’re named after the place in North Carolina or like we’re flight attendants,” she said. “But this was a fun night with the orchestra concert, book fair and all the art.”