Boosterton team leader Jonathan Aultman marks a runner’s shirt to mark the completion of another lap. | Clif Knight

Barkley Bridge Elementary School hosted a Boosterthon Fun Run last Thursday as the climax to a combined fundraiser and character education program.

The event celebrated the success students achieved in collecting cash pledges from their families, friends and neighbors. For each donation. they pledged to run a lap in the Fun Run.

The fundraiser netted the school approximately $13,000, according to Principal Susan Hayes. The money will be used in large part to fund technology upgrades in the classrooms.

“We’re thankful for each pledge donor,” said Hayes. “The money will stay in classrooms and will benefit our students. But the best part was the program’s emphasis on character development. It supported what we want to accomplish in the classroom.”

Boosterthon’s three team members spent time in the classrooms over a nine-day period. They focused on the program’s 2012 theme, Highway USA, which promotes leadership, character, education, fitness and the importance of a positive attitude. They also awarded students for collecting Fun Run pledges.

All students participated in the Fun Run, which was conducted in the school gym. The kindergarten classes opened the run at 8:30 a.m.

A carnival atmosphere prevailed with recorded music, colorful racecourse markers and an inflatable tunnel.

Parents stood inside two tents in the center of the gym and cheered on the runners by shouting and shaking inflated drum sticks.

Boosterthon Fun Run team leader Jonathan Aultman had high praise for Barkley Bridge faculty members, students and parents.

“The overall culture here is amazing,” Aultman stated. “Everyone has been so welcoming and parents have been remarkable. But it all starts with the leadership at the top and Principal Susan Hayes does a great job.”

Boosterthon Fun Run is an Atlanta-based fundraising company that serves hundreds of elementary schools in 16 states.