A little drizzle put a damper on the early morning walkers at Brockport’s 19th Annual Walk to School Day on October 2 but, for those who braved the elements, the sky cleared and declared a beautiful day.
Rain or shine, the Walk to School Day is always fun and this year 516 students participated. Barclay School had the highest percentage of students walking to school and is the winner of the Walk to School trophy (for the sixth year in a row). Oliver Middle School sixth graders came away with the middle school prize. Barclay School will have its name engraved on the Walk To School trophy which is displayed in the main hallway and the sixth grade class will have its class engraved on the Walk To School plaque which is displayed on the wall outside the Assistant Principal’s office. Every school had a great turnout, so congratulations to all!
Many people and organizations make Brockport’s Walk to School Day a success. The high school cheerleaders and Key Club members along with the SUNY Brockport baseball, softball and women’s basketball teams encourage and cheer on the walkers. Members of Brockport Kiwanis Club work the coffee tent with coffee supplied by Tim Horton’s and the Brockport Police Department helps in keeping traffic under control and crossing areas safe. The high school band, new to our event this year, was a huge hit and has promised to return next year. And what would the Walk be without apples from Kalir, Robb, and Kirby farms. Special thanks to the more than 30 community volunteers, especially those who arise early to welcome and count the middle and high school walkers, for greeting and encouraging the students at street corners and as they arrive at school. And thank you to Our Village Optician and Bill Gray’s for donating space to us.
Thanks to our supporters at Oak Orchard Health, University of Rochester Medical Center at Strong West, and the Brockport Lions and Kiwanis Clubs. A new supporter this year is Brockport Wegmans which supplied energy bars for our walkers. Thank you!
Brockport’s Annual Walk to School Day is intended to focus on the health benefits of walking. Exercise is related to fitness and improved physical health and exercise before and during school has been shown to improve academic performance. Let’s support and encourage exercise for our children!
Thank you all!
Jim Goetz, MD
Brockport Walk to School
Committee
