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Students and their supporters walk around Howbert Elementary's upper playground during their 45-minute Walk-A-Thon Oct. 1. At left is 31st Street.
Westside Pioneer photo

In 2nd year, Howbert Elementary's Walk-A-Thon tops inaugural with $16,000 for school

With help from Private Martin Garcia of Fort Carson's 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, Howbert student Ryan Walters finds out what it's like to wear a soldier's helmet and pack during the school's Walk-A-Thon Oct. 1 around the upper playground. Looking on from left are Madysen Whelchel, Gabby Padilla and (wearing a pack already) Kierra Bell.
Westside Pioneer photo
       It's Howbert Elementary's one fundraiser for the year, and students, staff, parents and other supporters made it count Oct. 1.
       The second annual Walk-A-Thon surpassed the total from its 2014 inaugural by $2,000 with a total of $16,000.
       As in its first year, the event lasted 45 minutes, with all students (close to 300 in all) from grades K-5 participating. Each class wore T-shirts with different colors. They took laps around the school's upper playground, off Water Street between 30th and 31st streets.
       People from outside the school included members of Fort Carson's 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team (which has “adopted” Howbert), firefighters, Coronado High cheerleaders and even a few Star Wars stormtroopers.
       The Fort Carson unit let students take a lap carrying their 35-pound packs, walking with them in the process.
       The money will be used by the PTA for school improvements. The main goal is a shade structure for the playground, according to Laura Tefertiller of the PTA. Beforehand,
Stormtroopers and Coronado High cheerleaders encourage Howbert Elementary students during their second annual fundraising Walk-A-Thon Oct. 1.
Westside Pioneer photo
the students had secured pledges of varying amounts, contingent on their walking the entire time.
       Meanwhile, the PTA was lining up support from the community, including donations of prizes for the top pledge-obtainers.
       Howbert Principal Deb Hawes said she thinks having just one fundraiser a year works out well because that means fewer distractions from actual school work. She expressed gratitude for the strong community support Howbert received for the event.

Westside Pioneer article
(Posted 10/10/15; Schools: Howbert Elementary)

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