Waimalu Students Reap Many Benefits From Fun Run

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Joshua Strickland, Kai Reyes-Paaoao and Allan Pasion (above) take a break to talk about how they maneuvered the race course during Waimalu Elementary School’s 15th annual Fun Run last month. Keiki in grades K-6, such as Hunter Ocmand and Dylan Soberano (left), collected pledges and completed laps around the field to raise money for school activities. Photos courtesy of Tony Pablo and Waimalu Elementary School.

It was an afternoon to run and have fun in the sun Feb. 11 at Waimalu Elementary School as students, teachers and staff participated in the school’s 15th annual PTO Fun Run.

Waimalu’s large, grassy field was transformed into a track for the runners, who were eager to raise funds for their school programs. Prior to the event, they had collected pledges from sponsors in either a straight-donation or per-lap format.

“The students come out in grade levels and run for 15 minutes at a time,” said Donna Hopoi, PTO president and event organizer.

“We had tons of volunteers that came out. Many would help mark the kids as they came by for each lap.”

One of two major fundraising efforts by the PTO, last year’s run raised $25,000. Hopoi explained that the collection process is ongoing. As of press time, $8,000 was already collected.

“All the monies go back to the kids,” Hopoi explained. “We give each grade level funds for projects and field trips. And last year we purchased a marquee for the school.”

Besides raising much-needed funds for the school, the event doubles as a way to promote healthy living and physical fitness.

“Even if they don’t collect money, everyone runs on that day,” said Hopoi, adding that after the run, the students are treated to a cool snack of shave ice.