NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
April 28, 2016 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
On your mark, get set, go!
Schools Team Up at Elementary Track Meet
WALNUT, CA— On a breezy Saturday morning, Collegewood, Cyrus J. Morris, Vejar, and Walnut Elementary students gathered to compete in the 1st Annual Elementary Track Meet
“I always had a vision of someday having a track meet in our own backyard - somewhere that Walnut Valley students could compete against each other,” said adapted P.E. teacher Deanne Rodriguez who spearheaded the event.
About 200 students vied in relay, 100, 200, and 400-meter races, long jump, and bean bag javelin events at Diamond Bar High on April 9.
“I wanted a place where all our students could showcase their talents, hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship,” Rodriguez added.
School track teams comprised of 4th and 5th graders paraded around the track with banners during the 8 a.m. opening ceremonies.
“I think it’s awesome and the kids are having a great time!” shared Walnut Elementary parent volunteer April Alvarado.
“When they started the first race, all the kids followed them around the track to show their support.”
The top winners from every track and field heat were awarded ribbons courtesy of the LA84 Foundation, and every participant went home with a souvenir t-shirt.
“It’s been a really great experience that our schools’ can get together for an event like this,” said Vejar 5th grader Mora Hanks.
“This is fun!” said beaming Vejar 4th grader Kaitlyn Mak after taking 1st place in a 200-meter race.
Students put in many hours before and after school preparing for the meet.
“We practiced a lot to get ready for today!” Mak said before her next race.
Collegewood 5th grader Emma Lopez won two first place ribbons - one during a four-person relay and the other by throwing a beanbag javelin an impressive 82’8”.
The elementary track teams traditionally competed during Youth Days held during the Mt. SAC Relays.
This was the first time in 30 years that the event wasn’t offered due to renovation of the stadium, Rodriguez said.
The P.E. teacher’s vision of hosting an elementary track and field day became a reality with the support of Walnut Elementary principal Robert Chang, Collegewood teacher Lori Huckler, Diamond Bar High track coach Sally Jarvis, and numerous staff and parents who teamed up to make the inaugural race day a huge success.
Vejar 5th grader Genevieve Niko, likes to likes to sprint, bike, and swim, described the new sports day as a “great idea to encourage kids to be more athletic.”
“They can get faster and faster and could even break records when they get to high school!”
Shown:
Walnut Elementary 5th grader Isaiah Hernandez strides to victory during 400-meter race.
A quick start for Walnut Valley elementary students during track meet.
Elementary students hurl bean bags during javelin event.
Collegewood Elementary 4th grader Isaiah Ibarra scored 1st place awards in relay and 200-meter races.
Walnut Valley elementary students show off skills during long jump event.
Vejar 4th grader Kaitlyn Mak shows a 1st place award after winning the 200-meter race.
Fun and friendship! Walnut Elementary 5th grader Maia Porzillo with 400-meter winning ribbon, teammates and principal Robert Chang.
Bean bags soar during javelin event at Walnut Valley track and field day.
Walnut Valley students enjoy a great day during elementary track and field event.
Collegewood 5th grader Emma Lopez won 1st place in a javelin heat throwing the bean bag 82’8”.