Created by fifth-grade teacher Trisha Sills, the event encourages students to enjoy physical activity and creativity, as more than a few feather-clad students were awarded for their festive costumes.

Nearly 500 students participated in the event by grade level and were cheered on by their classmates and teachers in the bleachers, as well as about 100 parents who stood around the track.

­PreK students completed approximately 200 meters, while kindergarten, first and second grade students completed one lap. Third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students completed two laps.

The run and walk is part of a new districtwide practice called the Daily Mile, Sills explained. “It’s built right into our schedule, so every day, we’re practicing running,” she told the OBSERVER. “They get 10 minutes in the gym or outside. It’s fun to hear the students get excited about building on their daily practice.”

OBSERVER Photo by Mary Heyl Kindergarten and first grade special education students received the Whole Classroom Turkey Spirit Costume award for their festive outfits, which were made by teacher’s aide Melonie Schmidt (front row, right). Teacher Lisa Buczkowski (back row, center) and teacher’s aide Jeanette Kilian (back row, left) are pictured here with their students Cameron Halstrom, James Haring, Brayden LeMoine, Riley Lewis, Caden Newton and Kori Ruddell (not pictured: Joe and Henry).

Sills, who also coaches cross country and track, is passionate about incorporating physical activity — and fun — into students’ education. “I really believe strongly in daily exercise for these students,” she said. “The smiles on their faces when they’re done with their laps are wonderful. The beautiful thing is that we have so much support: a healthy snack when they’re done and lots of prizes and awards. The support from parents and families is amazing, too.”

Elementary Principal Merrie Maxon enjoyed cheering students on as they ran around the track. “This is just a really great time for them to engage in some healthy opportunities while having a great time celebrating before the recess,” she told the OBSERVER. “It gives them the chance to do things that are both healthy and fun competition. The camaraderie that happens up in the stands, the teamwork and everyone collaborating to put this together are all being celebrated here,” Maxon pointed out.

Not only were prizes awarded for festive costumes, but also for the top three fastest runners in each grade. The top three PreK boys were Jackson Schwerk, Parker Vento and Jackson Smith Buchanan; the top three PreK girls were Addison West, Riley Sills and Sophie Johnson.

The top three kindergarten boys were Noah Gonzalez, Vincent Golembieski and Cole Boquin; the top three kindergarten girls were Meadow Plecker, Madalyn Glasier and Gabbie Sebastiano.

The top three first grade boys were Owen Anderson, Troy Wronek and Oliver Sternisha; the top three first grade girls were Kaylee Wicks, Isabella Frankling and Luna Zubler.

Silver Creek teacher Trisha Sills, (pictured center) kicked off the fourth grade students’ lap with an air horn during the Second Annual Turkey Trot on Monday.

The top three second grade boys were Lorenzo Twoguns, Tanner Silliman and Ethan Newton; the top three second grade girls were Ruthie Chen, Amelia Sternisha and Liberty Jones.

The top three third grade boys were Tanner Stern, Colin Morabito and Zayben Becker; the top three third grade girls were Malayah Eldridge, Sophie Randall and Samantha Timmerman.

The top three fourth grade boys were Derek Bauer, Malik Williams and Ryan Skinner; the top three fourth grade girls were Leah Mays, Eliza Mahaney and Claire Gonzalez.

The top three fifth grade boys were Mayson Simmons, Alan Hoelzle and Jason Mills; the top three fifth grade girls were Molly Shaw, Emily Bain and Ryleigh Wyskerger.

After the race, students enjoyed a healthy snack of an apple, banana or granola bar and a bottle of water, thanks to the school’s Health and Wellness Committee.

Sills recognized Tom’s Family Restaurant, who donated a free kid’s meal to over 21 students who were nominated by their teachers for the effort/good sportsmanship awards. Sponsors and donors also included a parent, Mrs. Kilburn, who donated the tie-dyed turkey shirts to the spirit winners; Wal-Mart in Fredonia, who donated 500 granola bars; and parent Brian Boedo, who volunteered his time to provide music and serve as DJ for the event.