Funds will be used for student enrichment programs in the next school year
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (May 31, 2017) — The Pennington School community has raised over $25,000 in its first Apex Fun Run, with the funds earmarked for student enrichment programs in the 2017-2018 school year.
Already, $21,000 of the over $25,000 in pledges has been collected, with the balance arriving daily.
This interactive program helps schools nationwide raise money while promoting leadership and fitness in the classrooms. This year’s character theme was “Apex Legends.” Students followed Tikes, Seeds, Specs, Jazz, and Wheels through the pages of their legendary adventure to discover JJ Cortez’s hidden treasure. Along the way, these five friends discover what it truly means to be a “legendary leader.”
The run was held May 18, following a two week fundraising period where students secured pledges for the 36 laps they would run during the 30 minute event. Sponsors could pledge $1, $2, $5 or any per lap amount they wished. Each lap is 1/16th of a mile.
A pep rally kicked off the event and was led by Justin Harris, an Apex athlete, area director and son of a Mount Vernon school teacher. Harris reminded students they all have the potential to become “legendary,” and said they should remember the acronym LEGEND to reinforce his message. To become a legend, he reminded students they must “learn,” “engage,” “give,” “empower,” “never quit” and “do.”
As part of their run preparation, students in pre-K through 5th grades received a daily leadership lesson during the two-week program training.
“It was the hottest day this spring so far, with temperatures climbing in the 90s, but that didn’t deter the school community’s overwhelming excitement for this event,” said Aja Cathcart,
Pennington Fun Run co-chair. “This event was so much more than just another school fundraiser. It truly brought our school community together in such a positive way. From the youngest of runners to our most senior teachers, all participants were determined to complete their 36 laps, and complete them they did.”
The race was a non-competitive event, with the simple goal of completing all 36 laps. Some students ran together in small groups to encourage each other. Many teachers ran or walked alongside their students, holding their hands and encouraging them when needed.
In fact, Principal Danielle Davis-Marrow walked her 36 laps throughout the day during the six different races, to be with and support as many students as possible.
“Parents and family members cheered loudly from the sidelines, but if a child even thought about giving up, a parent would take-off running or walking next to that child encouraging them to keep going,” added Cathcart. “As a proud Pennington parent, that was probably the most moving part.”
Students received prizes for pledges raised at different levels. However, regardless of individual fundraising efforts, all students received daily leadership bracelets and could win “the box” of the day, given to each classroom teacher to be awarded to a different student daily for showing leadership characteristics.
“This event was truly for everyone despite need or ability,” said Cathcart. “Every single student was encouraged and expected to participate on Fun Run Race Day. And that they did.”
Cathcart, who co-chaired the event with Cranson Johnson, praised the school’s team effort which ensured the event’s success, thanking Principal Davis-Marrow, the Pennington PTA, teachers, staff and parent volunteers.
To learn more, visit: http://apexfunrun.com/
About Mount Vernon City School District
With more than 8,000 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing a quality education to its children as well as developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students.
