Running Free Again: Beloved Fundraiser Returns

“A free bird leaps

on the back of the wind   

and floats downstream   

till the current ends

and dips his wing

in the orange sun rays

and dares to claim the sky.”

— Maya Angelou

By Jillian Daley

In a time of uncertainty, North Marion School District staff and students came together to welcome back a familiar tradition this fall: the annual Fun Run fundraiser.

The Intermediate School (IS) and Primary School (PS) usually hold the Fun Run every year, but COVID-19-related school closures meant students couldn’t participate in the fall of 2020. So all of the employees — principals, teachers, and staff — and students were ready to get moving this Sept. 30 — well, almost everyone! 

“I felt like lots of the students really enjoyed it and some hadn't moved or worked out in a while,” IS PE and Health Teacher Matthew Prom says. “I had many students ask if we could do it again sometime, while others begged to never do it again!”

All pre-K to Grade 5 students were invited to take a turn on the track during the Fun Run. Running by grade level, students dashed around the track, earning pledges for every lap the kids could cover. 

“It was so nice to see them in person again and enjoying physical activity with friends,” PS PE Teacher Sadie Gold says.

Donations were still rolling in on the final day of giving, Oct. 8, and with some late gifts, the North Marion community achieved an incredible total, $18,000 for both schools! About 180 IS students collected about $7,000, while 200 PS students brought in more than $11,000. 

When IS Principal Cory Gaub’s students hit $1,000, he sprayed his hair an electric Pink-the-rock-star pink, also honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month with his chosen shade.

“It’s elementary school; we should be having fun,” Gaub says, as a passing student calls out, “I like your style of hair!”

Once the students hit $1,200, it was Prom’s turn to tint his locks, and he did not disappoint, bleaching it icy blonde to create a fiery pink in solidarity with Gaub.

The IS will use the Fun Run funds to replace old PE equipment including basketballs and Frisbees, while the PS will use the funds for recess and PE equipment, although the staff was still deciding where to invest the funds. Both schools will also spend the dollars on field day activities in the spring. 

Gold says that field day events may vary based on COVID-19 restrictions, but they typically include bubbles, a bounce house, a water slide, popsicles, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, and crafts. 

Gold and Prom say that there were quite a few people who came together to make the fundraiser for field day and PE equipment happen, including the strong-armed maintenance workers, Gaub, and PS Principal Allison Hunt.

“We, of course, could not do it without the help of our amazing maintenance team helping us get everything set up,” Gold says. “Also, Cory and Allison are an incredible support system.”

Gold also notes that the teachers were instrumental in making the event happen, and Prom agrees.

“Since we couldn't have parent volunteers, the teachers tallied their students' laps and really made it possible for the students to run,” Prom says.

Everyone’s hard work, including students’, brought back a familiar favorite in uncertain times.

To share stories on the North Marion School District website and social media pages, email Communications Specialist Jillian Daley at jillian.daley@nmarion.k12.or.us.