As this semester rapidly comes to a close, students all over Park County have much to be proud of as they reflect on the triumphs and successes of the 2022-2023 school year.
But at Eastside Elementary School, students and staff have an additional reason to go into summer with wide grins on their faces.
On April 19th kids, staff, and parents all gathered in the gymnasium, getting psyched up, for the 2023 Walk-A-Thon. Even though the weather was chilly with a biting wind and colder-than-normal temperatures, the school came bursting out the gym at 3:30 tasked with goal of lapping the playground and playing field alongside Big Horn Avenue.
Enthusiastically, both children and adults, some running, others walking, and a few run-walking, took off in the brisk air determined to raise money to benefit Eastside Elementary and their various programs. As they trotted around the campus, the Cody Marching band was set up on the side of the school to play instrumentals of popular, upbeat songs to keep everyone motivated and encouraged. The Walk-A-Thon lasted an hour and everyone was encouraged to meet back in the gym so kids could bring their tallies to their teachers of how many laps they took around the course.
Kristin Fong, a volunteer with the PTK (Parent, Teacher, Kids) Organization says the kids involved in the Walk-A-Thon should be more than satisfied with their effort. “It was a record-breaking fundraising year. We are so excited and the kids should be so proud of themselves. I was astounded not just at the generous support of our sponsors, but at the kids’ energy and enthusiasm at the event itself. They truly soared despite cold, windy weather, and the encouragement from the fire department, police, and high school band made a huge difference. It really felt like we had community-wide support!”
In total, the Walk-A-Thon raised $32, 904.44 to be used for school activities and functions during the school year.
