1,000 Derby Students Participate In Walk-A-Thon

About 1,000 Derby students, plus their families and teachers, took part in a Walk-A-Thon Tuesday morning to strengthen community bonds and raise money for city schools.

Irving Elementary School Principal Jennifer Olson organized a similar walk-a-thon last year, which was rescheduled a few times thanks to Superstorm Sandy and a snowstorm.

Photo: Eugene DriscollThe day — chilly as it was — was about old-fashioned exercise, community-building and raising cash, all things needed in Derby.

This year the idea grew and kids from Derby Middle School and Bradley Elementary School were all invited to attend.

Students walked around the track at Lou DeFilippo Football Field and participated in a variety of field day events within the Leo F. Ryan Sports Complex.

Some of the high school clubs came down to help out, too,” Olson said. The idea here is to build community.”

The students raised money by getting pledges prior to the event in $1 increments. The goal was to show kids they can make a huge difference in seemingly small ways, Olson said.

Derby Schools Superintendent Matthew Conway thanked Olson for working hard to pull off the event, while Olson threw credit to the staff at all three schools for their support.

It’s a great opportunity to get kids and parents out together,” Conway said.

Kids threw frisbees and footballs, kicked soccer balls, ran like madmen under a giant parachute, in addition to walking the track for several hours.

It’s all about team-building,” Olson said. 

Mayor Anthony Staffieri stopped by to check things out. A bunch of kids came up to him to shake his hand.

Staffieri said in an age when kids are inclined to stay indoors with video games and computer tablets, 1,000 students outside having fun was simply great to see.

It reminds of me when I was a kid. We’d stay outside forever, then my mother would holler at me Come on, it’s time to come inside!’” Staffieri said. Now we’re hollering at kids to go out and play. This event is a good way to get kids motivated.”

Bradley School parent Chantal Gerckens was grateful to everyone who made the day a success.

The staff at all schools, parents and volunteers made this day such a memorable event,” Gerckens said in a message to the Valley Indy.

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