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Circle of Life Bike Tour Inspires Students at Lake View HS

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The image shows three people standing together, smiling and holding a sign that says %22Sarah Pipkin Love%22. They appear to be in an outdoor setting, with a vehicle visible in the background.
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Circle of Life Bike Tour Inspires Students at Lake View HS

Last week, a team of a dozen cyclists from the Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour pulled into Lake View High School, bringing a powerful message — that each of us has the opportunity to give life.

The week-long tour spans West Texas, raising awareness about the importance of blood, marrow and stem-cell, organ, and tissue donation. The 2025 ride began in Canyon on November 2 and concluded in Fredericksburg on November 8. On their journey, the riders traveled roughly 90 miles from Abilene to San Angelo, making Lake View one of their meaningful stops.

During a special assembly in Lake View’s auditorium, cyclists shared deeply personal stories about how donation has touched their lives. Each cyclist also rode in honor of someone from the San Angelo community. The honorees—or their family members—joined the riders on stage as their stories were told. Some were recipients of organ or tissue transplants, while others were families of donors whose selfless gifts had saved or transformed the lives of others.

Lake View was chosen for the tour this year to highlight the story of Sarah Pipkin-Love, a former Lake View student and standout soccer player who participated in this year’s tour. After graduating from Lake View, Sarah went on to teach at Central High School and now lives in Corpus Christi, where she coaches soccer at Calallen High School. In 2010, she received a life-saving heart transplant, as well as blood and platelet donations — experiences that continue to inspire her mission to advocate for donation. 

“Returning to Lake View was deeply personal for me,” said Mrs. Pipkin-Love. “As I was driving to Canyon to start the tour, I passed by the school and was overcome with emotion—thinking back to the day I first arrived at LV and how much it shaped who I am today. To stand in front of students and share my story, to show that all of my life’s adventures and opportunities started right there in those halls, was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me how powerful beginnings can be and how much impact a school and community can have on your journey.” 

She added, “Growing up with a heart condition, I think I’ve always viewed life a little differently. I learned early on not to take any opportunity for granted. After my transplant, that perspective has only deepened—I try to say yes to the opportunities that come my way and make the most of every experience. The support I’ve received from this community has been incredible and something I’ll never forget. San Angelo will always hold a special place in my heart for the way people stood by me and helped me through some of the most challenging times in my life.”

Hearing from someone with such deep local ties—someone who has gone from student-athlete to teacher, coach, transplant recipient, and now advocate—made the message of hope and giving even more meaningful for Lake View students and staff.

“My hope is that students walked away knowing they can make a difference—that every single person has the power to save a life,” said Mrs. Pipkin-Love. “Too often, people think their actions won’t matter or that donating isn’t something they can do, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether it’s donating blood, registering as an organ donor, or simply starting a conversation with family and friends about your wishes, every step matters. I wanted them to see that even small actions can have a huge impact and that they already have the ability to change lives.”

Event organizer Monica Robles, who serves as the Hospital Donor Service Coordinator for the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, also shared her perspective. “I had the privilege of coordinating the Circle of Life Tour’s visit to Lake View High School, working alongside Lone Star Circle of Life, West Texas Lions Eye Bank, and Donate Life Texas” she said. “As a living kidney donor and advocate for organ, eye, and tissue donation, I was also an honoree, and I was honored that Sarah rode in my honor. I also shared a snippet of my personal story during the event to help students connect with the message in a meaningful way.”

Ms. Robles emphasized the lasting impact of the tour on students.  “I hope they remember that every person has the power to make a lasting impact. Whether through donation, advocacy, or simply choosing kindness and that their actions matter. I want them to carry that message forward — not just as students, but as compassionate members of their community.”

The visit from the Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour left a lasting impression. Students were reminded that one choice has the power to change countless lives — and that the greatest legacy we can leave is found in the lives we touch and the ways we give back. 

“It’s a celebration of life, legacy, and community,” Ms. Robles said. “The Tour brings together donor families, recipients, and advocates to share stories that uplift and unite. For San Angelo, it’s a reminder of the power of generosity and the strength of our shared humanity.”

To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

About The Lone Star Circle of Life

The Lone Star Circle of Life is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing education about blood, marrow and stem cell, organ, and tissue donation. Its mission is to increase the number of donors across Texas — helping save and improve lives through the power of giving.