by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Kennedy Community School is hosting its fourth annual Walkathon Friday, May 29 (today). The event will take place on school grounds during the school day.
Students and staff will walk one mile at 9 a.m. Initial laps will be led by principal Dr. Judy Nagel, as well as other invited guests. Some guests who have been invited to walk the first lap include St. Joseph Police Chief Joel Klein, Fire Chief Jeff Taufen, Incoming Principal Laurie Putnum and Superintendant Willie Jett.
After the initial laps, students will walk and visit other station activities with their teachers.
“We are looking forward to a fun-filled day with lots of activities for all students celebrating our walkathon fundraiser and another great school year,” Nagel said.
A kick-off event was held earlier to encourage fundraising. Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students held penny wars in their classes and had prize incentives, which included pizza parties and more.
A contest was also held to determine a theme for the event. Organizer Sara Jorgenson said the contest was open to all Kennedy students preschool through eighth grade.
“We kept the original sub theme of Walk Across America and asked students to come up with a new theme for this year,” Jorgenson said.
Sixth-grade student Mallory Schneider won the contest with the winning theme “Reach for Your Goals” Walk Across America.
Students have been busy researching facts about the 50 states and colleges in those states, and 10 states and colleges will be highlighted during the walk.
Kennedy Community School currently has more than 800 students, preschool through eighth grade, enrolled.
Monies raised from the event support technology, the library and other student needs at the school. Last year’s Walkathon raised more than $11,000. Organizers hope to raise $15,000 this year.
Donations for the event can be mailed to Kennedy Community School, 1300 Jade Road, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Please put Attn: PTA/Walkathon on your donation. For more information contact Jorgenson at saraejorgenson@gmail.com
