Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Thursday, April 21, 2011

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Each class came up with a nickname, such as Hardesty's Highsteppers.

A Boosterthon Fun Run at Glendover Elementary capped an energy-filled week focused on leadership, character and fitness, and netted the school more than $20,000 for field trips next year.

“We do our best to make character cool,” said Billy Boughey, the Atlanta-area leader of the Boosterthon team coordinating the fundraiser for Glendover’s PTA.

The guys – all young and enthusiastic – really connected with the students during the nine-day program, which included a kickoff pep rally, mini lessons and the Fun Run. During the April 21 finale, they bounded across the grassy field shouting encouragement as red-faced kids completed laps around two tracks.

The “Leader LAUNCH” program also fostered bonds among the Glendover teachers, who led their respective teams in friendly competition for gathering pledges. As a class’ rocket fuel gauge rose, students received rewards such as an extra 10 minutes of recess or a crazy-hat day.

“The more fun and interesting and motivating the incentives are, the more the kids work for it,” said PTA President Lorie Averitt, who noted that teachers would get 10 percent of their class’ total.

In the end, it didn’t matter whether a child secured any pledges at all; everyone got a free T-shirt and participated in the Fun Run.

“It’s encouraging the kids to move and run and get outside. They’re pumped up about running these laps,” fourth-grade teacher Lauren Rister said that morning. “It’s very positive, and they’re very excited about it.”

Kindergarteners and first-graders led off the day, sailing around the cone-marked oval speedways behind the playground. Every five laps or so, the high-energy music slowed and students took short water breaks as the Boosterthon team helped the kids pace themselves through the 30-minute activity.

Throughout the program, the Boosterthon staff had emphasized the teamwork aspect of the fundraiser, with students pulling together for a common goal. They also visited each classroom for a five-minute daily LAUNCH lesson on how to become a good leader.

The “L” stands for learners who listen in class and are curious. The “A” is for staying active, the fitness component. The “U” is for uplifting or building people up. The “N” stands for not bullying classmates. The “C” is for being courageous and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. And the “H” is for helping others at school and at home.

“We’re talking about making good choices and living positively and giving back,” said Brett Trapp, the lead innovator with Boosterthon.

PTA mom Jacqui Denegri, who brought the program to Glendover, marveled at the supportive turnout of families at the Fun Run and said the experience had exceeded her expectations.

“This promotes fitness and character, and every kid has fun,” she said. “If we do this as one big annual fundraiser, it’s quite a party!”