School Wins Grant To Build Walking Track

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Johnston Elementary School in Woodstock has won a grant it will use for a planned fitness project on its campus.

The Joe E. Johnston Foundation this week awarded the school a $15,000 grant for a planned quarter-mile walking track, which the school has been raising funds to build.

The track will be used by students, staff and the school community.

This grant follows the school winning grants from the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and the Service League of Cherokee County.

When coupled with PTA donations and school fundraisers, the total funding raised now amounts to $21,000 toward meeting the $26,000 goal.

Principal Kathleen Chandler credits teacher Julie Peppers with successfully applying for the three grants, and notes that the entire school community is contributing to the fundraising efforts.

Two upcoming fundraisers are planned in hopes of meeting the goal before the end of the school year: a Pre-Track Walk will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 27 and a Jungle Run 5K and 1-Mile Prowl is scheduled for May 16.

The Pre-Track Walk is an opportunity for parents to join their children during their specials class time in walking around a mock track at the site where the walking track will be held.

The Jungle Run is open to the community, and details about registration and sponsorship opportunities are posted online: www.facebook.com/JESJungleRun5K.

Johnston Elementary School has been named a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association, which recognizes employers that demonstrate a strong commitment to providing employees with a healthy workplace. The idea of creating a walking track was proposed during application for this recognition, Chandler said.

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