Strides for Scholars

I have noticed a trend in our area that has me doing my happy dance.  There is a new type of fundraiser happening at schools all over the county and Pasadena is no exception.  Let me go back first though, many moons ago, to the days of my youth. 

I remember two types of fundraisers at my school.  The candy bars that were bought primarily by my own parents and eaten by primarily by their less than fit oldest daughter and the Saturday mornings spent walking through local neighborhoods, knocking on doors, selling hot Krispy Kreme donuts. 

While I am still apt to pull my car over when I spot a “Hot Donuts” sign in the window, I am pleased to say that the trend in fundraisers is to leave these poor eating habits behind and embrace a healthier form of fundraising.  Schools and organizations in our area are turning to the 5k race/walk/fun run. 

Next weekend, on May 14^th at 8 a.m., Chesapeake Senior High School, in an attempt to create a scholarship fund for this year’s graduating seniors, will be hosting its first , a 5k Run/Walk on the school’s cross country course.

“We don’t know how much we will raise but even if it is just a few of hundred dollars, every bit helps,”  said Race Director Debi Konczos, “Whether it goes towards books or housing or tuition, we think these kids have worked hard and deserve the help where we can give it.”

As a fitness writer or what some affectionately refer to as “a fitness freak,” I am so happy to see the 5k events taking place at this level. 

Unlike the local races organized by area running clubs, the school organized races attract our youth runners and give them the opportunity to participate in a race for the first time.  It is often the first race that hooks a new runner.  The first taste of the spirit of racing that has them wanting to do more.  And it is that wanting that can lead to a lifetime of fitness.    

Chesapeake Senior High’s PTA is embarking on an adventure with this race.  Though there are other races linked to the school’s cross country and track program, this is a first for Race Director Konczos and she admits that there is a large learning curve.

“But whatever we don’t get right this year will help us next year,” she says, “This race is a win for everybody.  It is a learning experience for me and the PTA, it is an opportunity to help out some of the graduating seniors and it is a chance for our community to be involved in something positive.”

Maybe there will come a time when schools fall back into the candy and donuts fundraisers of the past, but it is my hope that this trend towards the fit and healthy fundraisers not only sticks around but expands.  It is my hope that our children will take something from these events and carry it with them through their lives.