Kids step up for Jog-a-thon

More than 550 students took to the field running in the El Morro Jog-a-thon March 20 in the school PTA’s largest annual fundraiser.

Before the event, students went door to door, made phone calls, and sent e-mails collecting donations from family, friends, and neighbors. In addition to raising money to help pay for school programs, students learned about good health and exercise as they trained during gym classes and recess with staff coaches and school Principal Chris Duddy.

The morning started in the balloon-filled field, with a DJ spinning rock tunes as the kids warmed up and stretched, led by parents. There was a lot of energy and excitement as the students came from their classrooms by grade level.

“The best part is seeing the children run their little hearts out with pride and joy,” said El Morro PTA President Lynn Gregory.

Participants wore Jog-a-thon ’09 T-shirts with a list of 19 local business and family sponsors on the back.

Jog-a-thon parent volunteers will be adding up the student’s donations over the coming week. Last year’s Jog-a-thon raised more than $58,000, thanks to student pledges and generous corporate and family sponsors.

After the donations are tallied, students will receive prizes based on the number of donations and the amounts of money they raise.

Students are also given the option of donating their prize money to a local charity.

This year the local charity is Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends.

“” Brendy Michael, community correspondent