Charles City students take a walk as part of ‘Healthiest State’ initiative

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

It was a nice day for a walk as Charles City students took a break from class to stretch their legs for the 13th Healthiest State Annual Walk on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The walking event is part of the Healthiest State Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of healthy activities in Iowa and encouraging physical activity. Cities, schools, and businesses across the state dedicated some time on Wednesday to go for a walk.

In Charles City, elementary PE teacher Jeremy Wilson organized the event for the school district. After finding out about the annual walk, Wilson approached the district’s PE department and administration for permission to do the event and then worked with teachers to arrange the best time to bring all the students out for each building.

Once the schedules were arranged, the rules were relatively simple. Just walk.

For 30 minutes students, teachers, and even visiting parents went outside to walk laps around a designated course.

“It’s great,” said Washington Elementary Principal Joe Carney as his students walked – or ran – laps around the Leon Mulford Educational Trail. “This is a great chance for us to be all together.”

From elementary students walking around the playground to high schoolers on the athletic field track, students enjoyed the break from class and the pleasant weather as they trotted along.

After the walk, the students received apple slices provided by McDonalds.

Happy with the reception of the event, Wilson says he’s looking forward to organizing it again next year.

“I would like to expand it,” said Wilson. “It would be awesome if we could get the whole school together.”