Approximately a dozen students from the Lawrence County Open Door School boarded a bus Friday morning that would take them to the state Special Olympics in Columbus.

Four of the athletes can now say they have made new friends along the way: The Lawrence Masonic Lodge 198 has donated $150 to help each to help four students with the cost of their trip.

Masonic lodge member Dale Waugh said it is money well spent.

"To see those kids go up there, to see the kids from all over the state take part in the opening ceremonies, some walking, some being pushed in wheelchairs, it's something," Waugh said. "It's great to see the kids get out and something like this."

Lodge 198 master Terry Lowe said the organization donates money each year to help send local athletes to fulfill their dreams.

Open Door School principal Jeff Saunders said the donation is a wonderful gift.

"This is an opportunity for students to be able to get out of the county and see other parts of the state and participate Special Olympics," Saunders said. "We really appreciate it."