BY KARISSA MILLER

Dozens of Harmony Elementary fifth-graders screamed and smiled as they got ready for the school’s Farm Fun Run on Thursday.

“The most important rule today is to have fun,” PE teacher Krista Kerley told the students. “Everyone say, ‘Have fun.’ ”

Then they were off!

Hundreds of small feet pounded the school’s makeshift track throughout the day as students participated in the fundraiser.

“Pace yourself, you will be running for 20 minutes,” Kerley said over the music playing in the background.

In the weeks leading up to the event, students asked friends and family to make a per-lap donation or a flat donation to benefit the school. 

“This fundraiser is exciting for us,” Principal Todd Russo said. “It gets our students outside, and we have family engagement time. We raised more than $8,000 for our school, which is great.”

The school will use the money to purchase metal picnic tables.

Russo, who was dressed in overalls and a flannel shirt for the occasion, rang a cowbell and cheered as students ran past him. 

Every student ran or walked laps during their enhancement block. Each lap was 1/16 of a mile. Some students ran more than 40 laps during their 20-minute running block. Parents and family were invited to support their runners, and many stood around the track watching their favorite students.

Individual awards and prizes were given out to top fundraisers in each grade level. Every student received a free T-shirt courtesy of event sponsor Dr. Ben Shelton of Rocky Creek Veterinary Service.

Russo thanked his staff for their support. Many teachers sponsored a student to ensure everyone participated in the event.

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