HOUSTON – May 14, 2018 – Hundreds of people turned out Saturday for Spring ISD’s inaugural Fun Run and Wellness Fair, raising thousands of dollars for student scholarships and cultivating community spirit.
“This event was always about bringing out our Spring ISD supporters in a visible way,” said Tiffany Dunne-Oldfield, the district’s chief communications officer. “It was really inspiring to see so many people walking, running and participating in our Wellness Fair. We raised money for our students, and we had a lot of fun, making it a win-win for everyone.”
The run/walk course started at Carl Wunsche Sr. High School and took participants through Old Town Spring. Back at Wunsche, dozens of vendors were on hand to promote health and wellness as runners and walkers came across the finish line.
“We’re here to support Spring ISD,” said Harris County Precinct 4 Community Aide Kent Clingerman, who was on hand promoting a wide range of classes and activities for children, adults and families. “And we want to make people aware of the programs that we have that are all taxpayer-funded amenities that are free to the constituents of Precinct 4.”
The overall winner of the 3-mile race, outpacing all age groups, was Oscar Fumero, who clocked in at a speedy 18:25.02. Marisol Gonzalez of Burchett Elementary took the first place in her age category and also got the best overall time among the women at 22:07.55.
Nearly 30 Spring ISD elementary and middle school students took part in a special 1.5 mile race category, focused on encouraging the sport among young people. The fastest time among the elementary boys was 12:50.88, achieved by Aaron Konen of Burchett Elementary. Isabella Cabrera of Winship got top place among the girls. Among middle school boys, Elijah Pineda of Claughton Middle School got first place with a time of 11:03.04 and Jayla Lumar of Twin Creeks got 14:52.25 for first place among the girls.
View the race results by age group.
Spring ISD parent Heather Anderson registered for the event together with her daughter Kylie, a sixth-grader at Twin Creeks who hopes to go out for cross-country and track next year. Anderson said part of her goal in signing up for the fun run was to encourage her daughter and other young people to remember to put down their phones sometimes, get outside and stay active.
“I’ve done different running events, a lot of 5Ks and half-marathons, some marathons, so now we’re trying to get the kids to come into it, too,” Anderson said in the minutes leading up to the race. “And it’s a good thing to come out here for this. We get to help raise money for scholarships, get some exercise and do something as a family.”
The ribbons and medals ceremony included assistance by Trustees Justine Durant and Chris Bell. Also at the event, cheering and walking, were Trustees Deborah Jensen and Donald Davis. Providing entertainment for participants and drum rolls at the medals ceremony were members of the Westfield Big Red Band.
“It’s just a lovely May day for the excitement and the costumes and the fun,” Jensen said, “and it’s all healthy activity.” She was quick to point out the team spirit and inventiveness many had put into their planning for the day’s festivities. “Did you see the people in the tutus?” she asked. “That’s our finance department!”
While those who took home medals had a lot to cheer about, others just had fun taking part in the event, socializing with friends and colleagues. In addition to the Spring ISD Finance Department’s tutus, Miguel Perez and his family, representing the Chief of Staff’s Office, wore superhero capes. Hirsch Elementary fielded a Where’s Waldo? Team dressed in red and white stripes. The team from transportation sported yellow hats.
Elva Veck, a speech pathologist with the district, made it a multi-generational event for her and her family, and appreciated getting to see both familiar and new faces out for the race.
“It’s great to bring my son and my grandson to come out and join in the fun,” Veck said. “I’ve been with the district for 16 years, and I’m seeing a lot of familiar faces. It’s a big district, but to unify everybody for something like this, it’s great.”
Dr. Lauren Topek, Spring ISD’s chief of curriculum, instruction and assessment, brought two of her children, as well as a visiting out-of-town friend of the family.
“We just think this is an incredible event,” Topek said, “to be able to bring our families and community together, to have some fun, and to celebrate crossing the three-year mark on our district’s strategic plan.”