The Mount Vernon Middle School 5K continues to grow not just in the amount raised, but in activities as part of the event. This year, students raided $27,908.03.
“This is genuinely wild,” said Myleena Grenis, Mount Vernon Middle School Parent Teacher Organization president. “This event kicked off on April 16 and ended April 29. Our Middle school student fundraisers are all the things–really great fundraisers, very competitive and Amazing. It was neat to hear chatters of how they could fundraise at the tail end, how they worked together and how they encouraged their classmates was special. We were reminding kids not to be taking from their personal savings.”
This year, the event also honored Bill Thomsen, the founder of the MVMS 5K fundraiser and retired teacher and former school board member for the event’s sweet 16th anniversary.
Thomsen encouraged students to get out on the course and run for the day before leading in stretches. A number of staff and Thomsen’s family members wore sweatbands to honor him.
A number of new activities helped boost fundraising goals this year, including the addition of a dunk tank challenge.
“We had a goal of $17,000 raised and we would have a dunk tank,” Grenis said. “Then eighth grade teachers told their students if they raised $4,000, Mr. Moorman would get in the tank, and for $5,000 Ms. Bjork would get in the tank.”
Those eighth grade students fundraising goals fell just shy of the $5,000 mark.
Inflatables and bubble balls were added to the event this year as well.
Grenis said that the PTO is a tiny but mighty crew, but the 5K is an all hands on deck situation.
“I am blessed to have some really great friends that know I get in over my head and reach out or show up to support these efforts,” Grenis said. “This is a huge help. We had our student fundraisers this year ask special friends, grandparents, relatives and neighbors to pitch in and help for the 5K as well–then they would earn more tickets for raffle prizes.”
Greni said there is always a need for more volunteers to keep the event safe.
Grenis said they learned from the dunk tank this year – and next year will make sure that resides somewhere with more sun to help heat the water, as temperatures were a little brisk with the wind Wednesday.
Washington Elementary students were out along the route to encourage the middle school students.
“I am a mom who likes to give to my community where I can in hopes that someday my kids will look back and be encouraged to do the same knowing what their parents modeled for them,” Grenis said, as to what she enjoys about helping to organize the 5K. “This event is all about the kids and they are worth all the effort going into this. Additionally, it is a great opportunity for Mount Vernon Middle School teachers and staff to get outside for the day and be greeted with more smiles than an average middle school day. And as Lori Moss says- the middle school staff are so great and just pitch in where they need to.
“I really think about this as an end of the year event. Middle school can be tough- lots of hormones, lots of emotions—-these years are special and it is nice to celebrate them.”
Grenis thanked the numerous donors for the race this year, and looks to connect with more parents, grandparents and friends who have daytime flexibility to participate in the race next year.
“We appreciate the Mount Vernon Middle School community,” Grenis said.