Kids give PTA a run for its money

Turning laps for cash, El Morro students recently got to work on the athletic field to make the most of the PTA’s annual Jog-A-Thon fundraiser.

Each grade took turns to make as many laps possible around the field in a set time.

Weather conditions for Friday’s fundraiser were ideal for the event ? bright, clear and cool.

Parents and teachers had to compete with a disc jockey’s decibels to make their cheering for the athletes clearly audible.

Prior to the event every student had to find sponsors to pledge money for each completed lap.

It is hoped that this year’s pledges will match or surpass last year’s mark of about $50,000, event organizer Robin Rounaghi said. “This is our biggest fundraiser.”

Funds will support programs such as Colonial Days, Fourth-Fifth-Grade Science Aide, Reading is Fundamental, Math Challenge and Intervention Programs, Class Act, Art Masters, Enrichment Assemblies and more, Rounaghi said.

“The kids put in the work, we want them to feel ownership for the event,” Rounaghi said.

Prizes to be awarded at a future assembly will be based on the pledge amounts brought in.

Smashball sets, waterproof cameras and iPods are just a few of the items motivating students.

The top prize was a portable DVD player for anyone who brought in $750.

This year the students are encouraged to donate their prizes to El Morro’s adopted sister school in New Orleans that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, Rounaghi said.

El Morro has been working with Benjamin Franklin school throughout the year to donate books and other school supplies, Principal Chris Duddy said.

Duddy, who couldn’t participate in the Jog-A-Thon because of an injury, said the students spent weeks preparing for the event.

Many of the students were taught basic strategies in pacing and stretching during physical education classes, Duddy said.

Grades kindergarten through second had 20 minutes to complete laps. Third- through fifth-graders had 25 minutes to do their laps.

Despite careful strategy, the excitement of the event caused many runners to start with an unsustainable sprint.

“I just started out too fast but I did all right,” third-grader Zennon Richardson said, adding he had to slow down after getting cramps.

PTA representatives treated the kids to snacks afterward.

Analyzing their performances brought various reactions from the athletes.

Second-grader Hanna Budroe said she was satisfied with her performance, but she felt she could have done more. “I like to run, it gives me energy.”

Not so with fellow second-grader Emily Dworakowski.

“I thought I was going to faint,” she said. Still, she was satisfied with her performance.

First-grader Carson Cushing was happy with the amount of laps he made, but he looked a little more interested in a loose tooth.

The following students will receive medals for running the most laps in their grade level: Noah Garrett, 41 laps; Nathanial Everhart, 41; Madison Lamb, 38; Trevor Collins; 37; Tessa Hopper, 37; Harrison Gregory, 39; Bethany Houalla, 31; Cole Calabrese, 31; Marcus Gunell, 31; Aspen Rocha, 27; Henry Schineller, 27; Latifa Berri, 25; Max Blanchard, 23; Hunter Johnson, 23; Luc La Montagne, 23; Charlie Rounaghi, 23; and Kerin Onodera, 23.