Some of them are already asking when they can do it again.
The color runners (and walkers!) began the 5K course in pristine white tees. Three miles and five color stations later, they crossed the finish line soaking wet with water and/or sweat, streaked with liquid and/or powdered color from head to toe, and with nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile.
It was a happy rainbow of kids and adults, a great turn-out of runners and spectators in perfect weather. The oldest participant was Sally Martin, age 86, mother of Ocracoke School’s art teacher and cross country coach, Kitty Mitchell. Sally and Kitty walked the race together and finished toward the end. They weren’t the last though – that honor went to little Camryn Lewis, age 2 ½. “I don’t know why I brought her stroller. She wouldn’t get in it and we walked the whole way,” said her mother, Claudia, who is Ocracoke School’s 2nd grade teacher. “It’s going to be a good naptime today!”
Kevin Perez was first to finish the fun run, which should come as no surprise. Kevin won the Ocracoke 5K race back in April, with a time of 18:40. The color run wasn’t timed, though runners were encouraged to time themselves, if they cared to.
But the atmosphere was one of fun in the spirit of encouragement to the kids who were running (some for the very first time). Many competitive runners who go all out for the timed races were laid back about the color run and slowed their pace to run with friends and family. Ocracoke School’s P.E. teacher, Coach B., ran the first half of the race carrying his son, Louka, in his arms. The festive vibe increased as the runners got more and more colorful. The biggest blast of colored powder came at the very end as the runners were cheered across the finish line. Puffs of rainbow smoke wafted on the breeze, and even spectators got a little dusting.
High school teacher Leslie Cole, who is always good for an enthusiastic quote, said, “It’s so successful for the first year!”
So successful that it will become an annual event. PTA vice-president Susan O’Neal started planning this color run fundraiser back in the spring.
“We wanted something new and different for Ocracoke,” she said. A color run appealed to Susan because it’s “family-oriented, and we can make it fun. It’s not a competition, it’s just a good time.”
Researching the concept of a color run led the PTA to contract with My School Color Run, a business that helps schools plan and implement these fundraisers.
“They were a great company to work with,” said PTA president Ivey Belch. “We tried to see if we could buy the items cheaper ourselves, but it would’ve been more expensive.”
My School Color Run provided the t-shirts, race bibs, the color packets, sprayers, and a website link specifically for the Ocracoke School event where participants could register, pay, and make extra donations. The PTA will keep the sprayers and have even more color stations next year.
The color run cost $25 for kids; $30 for adults who pre-registered, and $40 for adult late registrants. Of those fees, $12 each went to My School Color Run, and the rest to the PTA. Ivey said the registration fees brought in at least $2000 for the PTA, which will increase as they continue collecting donations and sponsorship money.
So where does all the money get spent?
The PTA grants each teacher $100 at the beginning of the school year for classroom supplies, and helps school secretary Lisa Caswell to buy office supplies. They host the Halloween Carnival, and help pay for the spring Field Day celebration. They support the biennial high school trip to Washington, D.C. and the school camping trips. The PTA provides the year-end academic banquet and donates toward the annual alumni banquet. Last year, they purchased all-new sound equipment for the school gym to be used during the Christmas program and Variety Shows (one is planned for the winter.) They partnered with Ocracoke Alive over the summer and bought 200 chairs for assemblies in the gym. If teachers have specific classroom needs they can put in a written request for funds from the PTA – these and other expenditures pass through Principal Walt Padgett’s office for approval. Recently, the PTA bought three bouncy houses – the kids are really going to enjoy those at the Carnival!
The PTA officers are Ivey Belch, president; Susan O’Neal, vice-president; Jennifer Daniels, secretary; and Jennifer Mongan, treasurer. They'd like to thank all the parents, teachers, and student volunteers who helped with the Color Run event. And all the participants, too! Everyone made it success! Thanks, PTA!
PTA meetings are posted on the Ocracoke Current calendar. All are welcome!
