HURRICANE — Standing ovations are usually reserved for outstanding performances. That was the case when Hurricane High principal Jody Rich received a standing welcome from a roaring crowd on the first day of school on Wednesday — he had earned it.

Rich, and fellow principal Roy Hoyt spent a month of their summer biking over 3,000 miles from San Diego, Calif., to St Augustine, Fla., to raise money for new technology and inspire their students to do hard things.

More than 2,000 students and community members followed Rich's journey on Facebookwhere he posted a “life lesson” each day to help inspire the students.

The result?

“Financially it was unbelievable ... we raised $33,000 so we’re going to get three classroom sets of chrome books. So 90 chrome books on carts, every tested department, math, English and science, will have their own set on wheels to rotate around, which is basically three new labs,” Rich explained.

He added, “But that’s probably the least of the accomplishments and benefits of the whole experience. The message came across that you can do hard things, but not only that, but that their principal is committed to doing what he needs to do for them.”

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2 Utah principals to bike across U.S. for new school computers

Hurricane principals Jody Rich and and Roy Hoyt are going the distance for their students, using their summer to bike from California to Florida in an attempt to raise money for their schools to purchase new classroom computers.

Students at the school were quick to agree. Studentbody president Jared Worwood explained the effect on the studentbody stating, “It definitely brought us more together. It made us proud of something, and that always brings you together.” He said that personally, “It inspired me to realize that there’s always something you can do to help get things done.”

Another student, senior Lana Litchfield, said, “He’s not the stereotypical principal you see on TV, he’s an awesome guy.” She noted that the trip “made a huge difference ... the fact that he’s willing to that for us as students and the love he shows for all of us changes who we are as students. At least for me, it makes me want to be a better student and a better person because I don’t want to let down Jody. Not only did I learn that I can do hard things, I learned that I can make a difference. He made a difference and so can I.”

Rich expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of support, ranging from the financial support that continues to pour in to the continued support from students. “I never expected that students would be coming up to me and saying thank you, but they have,” he said.

Rich is beginning his second year as principal at Hurricane High School. In his first year, the school saw a nearly 10 percent increase in the number of students passing the state standardized tests, a trend he hopes to continue this year as students realize that they can “do hard things.”

Rich posted his experience on a Facebook page set up by his son Jordan under the official charity name “Principals Across America for Computers in Education” or PAACE. Those wishing to learn more about his experience, or contribute* to the cause can do so at facebook.com/H.Town.PAACE. Brandon Comstock is an instructor of religion at Hurricane High School seminary. He and his wife Carleen have three kids and are expecting their fourth any day.

*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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