Central School Takes a Run at Hunger

The turkey and stuffing may be all gone, but for Central School, the memories of coming together to help those less fortunate enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving holiday will likely last for a long time.

On November 15th the K-6 elementary school held its second annual “Central School Turkey Trot Fun Run” in conjunction with the Jack Bannan Memorial Turkey Trot. The race was organized by the Student Council, physical education teacher Nichole Bailey-Gates, and sixth grade teacher Steve Petrella. During the race, Petrella sported a plush turkey hat for the occasion, and he was joined by several other staff, many with their own festive holiday headwear. The course began at the front door of the school and looped around, ending where it began. Students in all grades participated, with staggered starts by grade level to help manage the flow of athletes as they ran to the finish line, earning enthusiastic “high five’s” from the staff and from their principal, Beth Hennessy.

Besides the fun run, the school collected and donated 395 pounds of food for the Jack Bannan Memorial Turkey Trot, formerly the Farmington Valley Turkey Trot but renamed several years ago to honor the long-time Simsbury public school educator who started the turkey drive tradition in 1992. The annual event helps out families who might not have otherwise be able to afford a Thanksgiving dinner. Several drop-off locations are manned by volunteers throughout the day, including Henry James Memorial School (HJMS). Several other Simsbury public schools also participated in the effort to collect food and donations. The local food pantry, Food Share, distributes the donated frozen turkeys to local families in need. This year, Central School raised a total of $1,054 to benefit the cause. The school’s second graders sponsored the fundraiser in support of the school’s monthly theme of citizenship.

Bannan’s daughter Marianne Bannan, attended the fun run event and gave a short speech, conveying her gratitude for the students’ efforts to carry on her father’s initiative. To the crowd of students gathered on the playground for the fun run, she said, “Keep up all the great work helping others!”

Principal Hennessy also appreciated the generosity of the school community. Said Hennessy in an email to the parents of her students, “I would like to express my appreciation for the many ways you continue to make Central School such a strong and thriving community.”

PHOTOS: 1) Central School student volunteers pose with sixth grade teacher Steve Petrella, who sports a turkey hat in honor of the Jack Bannan Memorial Turkey Trot Fun Run. Several Simsbury public schools also raised funds and donated turkeys and canned food for the cause. 2) Physical Education teacher Nichole Bailey-Gates leans in for a high five as students cross the finish line during the second annual Central School Turkey Trot Fun Run on November 15th.