More than 1,700 Greene County students walked a half-mile to school on Friday in observance of Greene County School System Walk to School Day. This is the first year the school system has participated in the international event, which typically includes 5,000 schools from 50 states and walkers from 40 countries around the world.

The actual date of the event is Oct. 6, but because Greene County students will be out of school for Fall Break,

Superintendent Dr. Barbara Pulliam-Davis declared Friday as Walk to School Day for Greene County Schools.

“History was made today, as teachers, staff members, parents, community members and students in grades Pre-K through 8, plus a select group of high school students, participated in our first Walk to School Day celebration,” Davis said. “We intend to make this an annual event for our school system, and we encourage the community to join us next year as we continue to work to increase the importance of physical activity among our students.”  

Students from Corry Boston Jackson Preschool, Greensboro Elementary School, Union Point Elementary School, Carson Middle School, Greene County High School and Lake Oconee Academy participated in the walk. Three separate walks took place throughout the county on Friday; Union Point Elementary School students walked along Dolvin Avenue to the elementary school; students from Greensboro Elementary, Carson Middle, Greene County High and CBJ Preschool walked along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to their respective schools; and Lake Oconee Academy students walked down North Campus Drive and Knowledge Way to the school’s gymnasium.

“Our students enjoyed starting the morning off with a walk to school. The fresh air helped energize them for the school day,” said CBJ Preschool Literacy Coach/ILS Kia Smith. “We are looking forward to next year’s event, where a new group of preschoolers will have the opportunity to walk to school with their peers and teachers.”

Echoing Smith’s sentiments, Greensboro Elementary School principal Dr. Joan Antone said, “the walk was refreshing, spirit lifting and enjoyable.”

After the walk, students at Union Point Elementary School were given a charge to adopt healthy habits such as walking and riding bikes.

“The students were also given information about the purpose of the walk and how it creates a sense of community for us all.  They wrapped up with applause for a successful walk and healthy breakfast,” said Union Point Elementary School principal Lex Brown.

Joining volunteers in Union Point was Andy Pittman, N. E. Ga. Coordinator for Safe Routes to School Resource Center. Pittman assisted event organizer Joyce Heffner in planning the walk.

“I am extremely thankful to everyone who volunteered with the walk. Without them this day would not have been a success. I would also like to thank our teachers, students and parents for

supporting the walk,” said Heffner.