Karen Smith's third grade class poses for a picture before the annual Jog-a-thon begins.

This week the students at Village Elementary School and the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) took to the track for the annual Jog-a-thon fundraiser. It was a beautiful and sunny day and there was lots of energy in the air.

These joggers show off their event T-shirts before making their way around the track for 30 minutes.

Weeks before the event, each student had the opportunity to purchase an event T-shirt and collect sponsors for running or walking on the track. The event started with a warm up led by coordinator Michele Dozier and continued with music, courtesy of Miles Pelky, DJ. Parents lined the track to offer encouragement and spray participants with water. Some parents jogged with their students. Sailors from the USS Stockdale (DDG 106) helped pass out water and joined students on the track. They were a positive and motivating presence.

Sailors from the San Diego based USS Stockdale guided missile destroyer helped set up the event and jogged around the track with students as well.

Fourth grader Temina Kettering earned over $500, the most overall. Mrs. Barton’s 4th grade class took the “Top Class” award, earning over $1400. There were also prizes for the top earner in each grade level. Every participant received a coupon from NadoLife for a free mini moo ice cream and other food. Individual classrooms celebrated afterwards with fruit, popsicles and other goodies.

Over $27,000 was raised for the schools and may be used for things such as instructional aides, classroom supplies, equipment, PE Aides and more.

The event was a huge success and a great time for everyone. It would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of local orthodontist Diane Milberg, DDS.

Co-chair Michele Dozier thanks the many sponsors of the event.

Co-sponsors include Scott Grimes and Renee Wilson of Park Life Real Estate, The Spatafore Family of NadoLife, Debi Boney of Boney’s Market, Maggie and Dennis Holland of Which Wich?, The Law Office of Terry J. Chapko, The Law Offices of Ronis and Ronis, Dave and Sheri Gibson of MyMilitarySavings.com, Dan and Lori Boyles of Coronado Training Center, Gary and Sherril Alstadt of Coronado Home Care and Miles Pelky of Five Step Carpet Care.

Kellee Hearther

Online Editorial Intern

eCoronado.com

If you have something you would love to read about, please contact me at calikellee@gmail.com

An eCoronado.com editor sighting at the Village Elementary Jog-a-thon!