Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The sky was sunny and spirits were high on Thursday afternoon, as Hope Lutheran School students, parents and friends took to the streets of West Seattle for their 2nd Annual Walk-A-Thon to raise money for the school.

Hope Lutheran Principal Kristen Okabayashi offered this report:

Today was so much fun! Our top goal for the walkathon was to raise money for our new science curriculum we are implementing next year, but other smaller goals were to build community with our event, and also have an event that raises awareness of keeping your body active. Our students walked and/or ran anywhere from 1/3 mile for our 3 year olds, and up to over 3 miles for some of our middle school students. With a huge number of parents and grandparents helping out today, along with Seattle Lutheran High School’s band performing for all our participants, we had a blast and can’t wait for next year!

Students collected donations and per-lap “pledges” prior to the event, and volunteers also secured corporate donations in support of the cause. Preliminary results:

• 204 participants in P3-8th grade
• 1005 laps walked (a “lap” was around the long block between Oregon/Genesee and 41st/42nd)
• $5962.25 raised on pledge forms
• $2500 raised through corporate donations
• TOTAL: $8462.25 total not including online pledges (represents a $1500 improvement over last year)

Most importantly, students jumped at the chance to get outside and have fun. Participants were divided into groups and ran out of school through an enthusiastic “tunnel” of supporters and fellow walkers:

Then zipped out to the sidewalk while the Seattle Lutheran High School band played:

Some students walked, while others ran and skipped and everything in between:

The skies were blue and the weather certainly cooperated:

But it was important to stay hydrated, especially for the little ones:

Parents and volunteers were ready with stamps to keep track of laps:

And fellow students were ready with shouts (and high-fives) of encouragement:

Several area businesses were proud supporters of the event:

Organizers of the event said they were very happy with the outcome, and proud of the kids, and are already looking forward to next year.