Dashin' Dolphins meet the Mayor of Dublin

There were 'fins up' from the Dougherty Dolphin last week when Dublin Mayor David Haubert arrived to support Dashin' Dolphins at James Dougherty Elementary School.

Dashin' Dolphins is organized by PE Teacher, Mrs. Pettit on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for some extra fitness. "It's an opportunity for kids who want to have fun as they walk or run in the morning," said Ms Pettit. "You can participate one day, every week or just once a month…it's up to you!". The first time students join in they will sign their name on a card and run with the card.

Returning students pick up their card each morning and get it checked off after every lap is completed. For every 1 mile (8 laps) a student completes he or she will earn a foot token for a necklace, backpack or keychain. When they are finished for the morning, they will leave their cards with Ms Pettit for the next time they run.

The arrival of the Mayor, who had been invited by Ms Pettit, caused quite a stir and the line for sign-ups got longer as each child wanted him to check off their card.

The Dougherty Dolphin, the school mascot, is often on duty to encourage the participants. Usually fifth grade students volunteer to support the activity and hand out the tokens etc. and sign the cards as the runners complete their laps.

"I enjoy having the opportunity to help Ms Pettit," said one fifth grader " and it's also great fun to volunteer with my friends."

Another young student took the opportunity to speak to the Mayor about her school project learning about city governance.

"Dashin’ Dolphins helps build an understanding of the importance of fitness while giving them a sense of accomplishment when they earn their tokens," explained Mrs Pettit. "The first thing I hear when students come to class is how they earned another token for their necklace. They are so proud of that and it really makes my day."

Mrs Pettit also commented that having 5th grade students help puts them in a leadership role that she hopes will give them a little more confidence when they enter middle school next year.