Schools

District 5 Students Observe National Walk to School Day

Submitted by Lexington-Richland 5

Cool morning temperatures did not deter hundreds of teachers, students and parents who gathered at several Lexington-Richland School District Five schools this week to observe National Walk to School Day.

The nationwide event is sponsored annually by the National Center for Safe Routes to School to promote fitness among students. By walking to school, students learn that a daily brisk walk can have several health benefits and easily be incorporated into daily routines, program officials say.

At Leaphart Elementary School a crowd of nearly 300 doned “power up” bracelets Wednesday morning and walked the winding, scenic trail through Seven Oaks Park to the school where members of the school PTO, Irmo Fire Department, Harvest Hope, mascots and others waited to greet them.  

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District Five Board Chairman Robert Gantt was one of the walkers at the elementary school. He says National Walk to School Day is a great way to promote physical activity and get the community involved in the schools.

“One of the great benefits is that you get the community to come out and see the schools, and there are lots of great things going on in District Five and at Leaphart,” Gantt said. “I’ve done a number of these events through the years, and I can tell you that it’s very moving each year to see teachers, students and parents come together to support the school. It’s a great event, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

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At CrossRoads Middle School, a crowd of approximately 350 students, parents and school staff began their walk at around 6:45 a.m., traveling nearly a mile to the school.  A band and on-lookers met and cheered on participants as they arrived. CrossRoads Middle has observed the annual event for more than five years.

School nurse and event organizer Diana Krause said, “We had more people participate this year than ever before. What we wanted to do with the event is show students and families that walking is an easy way to be physically active. It’s also a great way to socialize, whether it's parents with their children or students with each other. It was a great event and something we definitely plan to do again.” 


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