A Fridley High School (FHS) freshman spent last summer contributing to his community by mowing the lawns of veterans, single parents, disabled and elderly neighbors, free of charge.

Tyquan Bledsoe was the first student in Minnesota to complete the 50 Yard Challenge, which tasks young men and women to assist neighbors in need of lawn mowing service. The challenge is part of Raising Men Lawn Care Service, a national nonprofit organization that promotes commitment to service and inspires students to give back to the community in positive ways. Bledsoe was excited to join the cause and volunteered his time to complete the challenge of 50 yards mowed.

“Helping people just puts a smile on my face,” said Bledsoe. “It’s a small action I can do in the community and it makes me feel like a superhero.”

In November, he received a visit from the nonprofit’s founder, Rodney Smith, who recognized his contributions and gifted Bledsoe with new lawn mowing equipment. Bledsoe plans to continue his free lawn care service mission through the summer.

Bledsoe was recently recognized with the “Citizen of the Year” award from the Minneapolis Elks Lodge #44 Brooklyn Park for his positive and service-oriented contributions to the community members of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park.

In addition, Bledsoe was honored at the May 18, 2021 Fridley School Board meeting for his commitment to service. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School district, Fridley Public Schools instills a sense of community service, or “service as action,” as a fundamental component of the IB curriculum framework.

“Tyquan strongly embodies all characteristics of the IB Learner Profile and we are proud to honor him as a member of our Fridley community,” said Superintendent Dr. Kim Hiel. “This is an amazing accomplishment, and we congratulate Tyquan on his work and dedication of serving others in his community.”