Frisbees Flying, Children Gliding: Perkins Has Sixth Annual Walkathon

Even before the morning announcements on Friday October 11, Perkins was teaming with excitement for the day’s special activity: the sixth annual Walkathon. Amber Siever, lead organizer of the event this year, who also has children attending Perkins, was excited even before the kids started pouring out.

“This is a fun opportunity for the kids,” she shared. “I’m glad we [the parents] could come out and help/be a part of the event.”

The event used to be held during the weekend, so concentrating on school and looking forward to it was new to some students, but they remained patient until their class was called to the track outside. About every 30-40 minutes, with 15-20 minute breaks in between, a different grade would come out to the track located on the lower field and start their locomotion. Frisbees were in abundance as students were throwing, catching, and even collecting the plastic discs donated by Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Students didn’t realize it, but their chasing and tossing along with their running and walking was teaching them a valuable lesson about being active every day, even if it is only playing catch or being outside with some friends.

The Walkathon was formerly a fundraiser, but did not keep that format this year, focusing more on promoting general good health and exercise. This year’s installment was a roaring success with many kids reaching past their goal of 20 laps, and most of the adults joining in on the action as well. A special thanks is warranted for the group of parents and volunteers, who helped fill up water cups, supervise and mark off students’ lap cards every time they passed the starting point. The Walkathon would not have been possible without them. However, with the weather starting to chill and breaths becoming visible, students will have to bundle up and look forward to next year’s Walkathon.