The last week of October marked Ocean Palms Elementary school’s annual Otter Run.
In previous years, classes from each grade raced against one another, but this year, the run was conducted one class at a time, where a trail of obstacles, exercises and fun awaited the students. And even with social distancing, the event brought the school community together to raise more than $50,000 — surpassing this year’s goal by more than $10,000.
School-wide incentives were created so students could work collectively to reach certain fundraising milestones. Each goal was met, so the principal got to cut the assistant principal’s favorite tie off, there were silly-string and pie-the-administration-in -the-face days, and, finally, both the principal and assistant principal had to dress as clowns for a day.
The funds raised as part of the school’s Otter Run will be used to help maintain a sustainable learning environment for students through the purchase of technology, the support of teachers and the funding of other school needs — a race in which everyone is a winner.
