WHY WALK WHEN YOU CAN RUN?
By: Kaumudi Marathé
On April 28, four determined kindergarteners got up early and headed out, parents in tow, to the Palisades. The kids were on a very important mission and they all had the same goal: “To raise money for my school.”
Orion Vayanas-Weldy, Keya Marathé-Bajaj, Soulana Glass, and Jade Jacobs were LFCSA’s proud representatives at the first annual IC-LA Run-Walk for Charter Schools, held at Palisades Charter School. Our school was one of over twenty charter schools from the region that participated. The pledges that students collected go to benefit their respective schools.
A Day of Team Spirit
The air may have been breezy and cool but the atmosphere was wonderfully warm and friendly. The organizers, including our own Marta Alcumbrac, hosted an entertaining and welcoming event with complimentary breakfast, lunch, and beverages, as well as some great raffle prizes.
But When Can We Run?
The kids were just eager to run. And once they got the signal to start, they took the event very seriously. Supported by parents and friends, they ran tirelessly lap after lap, long after everybody thought they would tire. And we cheered as we watched them attempting lap after yet another lap, faces scrunched up in concentration, arms and legs flying, pushing themselves to go even further. It was a remarkable sight to see these five- and six-year-old kids giving their best for a cause they claimed as their own. And having great fun doing it!
Small But Mighty
At the end of the day, they had good reason to be both proud of their achievement and empowered by their contribution to their own education. This enthusiastic and determined group raised over $1600 for their school—our school. Soulana Glass (in Ms. Pardo’s class) ran 11 laps. She raised $944. Keya Marathé-Bajaj (Ms. Miller) hoped to run 8 laps but ran 13. She raised $425. Orion Vayanas-Weldy (Ms. Gonzales) ran 17 laps and raised $200. Jade Jacobs (Ms. Miller) ran 11 laps and raised $65. Gem Galiciano did not run but contributed to the fundraising effort, raising over $50.
Can We Do It Again?
As if this was not enough, the next morning, Orion, Keya, Soulana and Jade woke up wanting to run again! They are already looking forward to next year and the next IC-LA run! And they hope more of their friends and classmates will join them this time around.
