Fifth Annual “Scotty Sprint and Wellness Fair” at Scotland Elementary School

On Thursday, October 2, 2014, over 260 Scotland Elementary School students strapped on their sneakers after school for the 2014 Scotty Sprint and Wellness Fair on Scotland’s fields. This event is one of the most successful PTA fundraisers each year, and this year marked the 5^th anniversary of the Scotty Sprint - a parent and student cherished event - as students from each grade collected pledges per lap and ran with their friends to raise money. Many teachers also came out to support the event, including music teacher Jim Tornatore who provided music and motivational messages as the students ran. Super Race Systems, which has been timing, scoring, and promoting sporting events in the New York City area for four decades, donated its timing systems to count laps.

Winners for the most laps were announced by each grade level and gender, and are as follows: Maya Blackman and Desmond Couri in the kindergarten–second grade category, and Regan McGrath, Nick Wright, Jack McGuire, and Jake Salmore for the third–5^th grade category. Mrs. Lieberman’s 2nd grade class came in with the highest participation for any class, and the highest participation per grade was awarded to the second grade. The opportunity to donate will continue for a few more days, but the event is expected to bring in over $10,000. The student who raises the most funds will be awarded a $75 Chamber of Commerce gift certificate and the privilege of being Scotland’s Principal for a day. All students who raise $100 or more will be entered in a raffle to win a limo ride to school with 5 friends and a bagel breakfast.

The Wellness Fair portion of the event was sponsored by Kiwi Country Day Camp of Mahopac, New York, which has been providing a camp experience to children in the area since 1952. Students enjoyed a break from running and learned about fitness through a variety of wellness stations, including “Making a Fitness Journal,” “The Wheel of Fitness,” “Gaga Ball,” “How Fast Can You Pitch,” and the “Zumba Station.”

At the end of the day, tired but smiling children went home to rest. In a time when many are concerned that children spend too much time sitting indoors, Scotland School has continued its commitment to well-rounded health and education by holding a great event to both raise money and generate a love and understanding of fitness and health in its students.

Photograph: Lilah and Luke Queenan at the 2014 Scotty Sprint & Wellness Fair by Karen Blackman.