Teacher Debra Berry signs T-shirts for pre-K-1 Boosterthon Fun Run participants Oct. 8.

Crestline Elementary School capped off another successful PTO fundraiser with a Boosterthon Fun Run for pre-K through fourth grade students on Oct. 8.

Students ran in two groups, pre-K-2 first followed by 3-4. They wore T-shirts with 1-35 scorecards printed on the back. As they completed a lap around a designated track, teachers marked the scorecards, as they paused before running another lap.

Boosterthon team members directed traffic and paced the students with run commands while teachers and family members cheered them on from the sidelines.

The project was funded by pledges collected by students from family members, friends and neighbors. The total stood at $14,000 at the start of the fun run.

Amy Braxton, PTO vice president, said proceeds from the fundraiser would be used to purchase iPads for teachers and students. to use in the classrooms.

“The fun run lets students have a sense of worth,” said Principal Robin Varwig. “They feel good because they have accomplished something tangible. That’s one of the awesome benefits of a project like this.”

“This year PE coach Ben Hughes talked to students about a different character trait each day leading up to the fun run,” she said, “and PTO volunteers presented prizes to students.

The Boosterthon theme is “Rock’n Town Live.” It brings focus to the following character traits:

•Plug in to Served – Serving often means putting someone else’s needs in front of your own. Volunteer in your community or serve your family by asking how you can help them.

•Amplify Others – You have the power to make others stronger with your words. Pretend everyone has a power meter on them. Max out the meter with positive words.

•Listen for feedback – Parents and teacher have great feedback (helpful advice), giving you the opportunity to grow into the best person you can be. You just have to listen.

•Play Hard – Whether you play a sport or an instrument,  it’s important to exercise 60 minutes a day by playing hard and staying healthy.

•Thank Your Crowd – Your biggest fans are your parents and teachers. Say a giant “thank you” for their endless support. Gratitude is a sign of great community.

Approximately 25 elementary schools in the Tennessee Valley area currently use the Boosterthon program as a fundraiser, according to Jonathan Aultman, general manager for the area. Team members directing the Crestline Fun Run were Dalton Titshaw, team leader, Josh Newsome and Isaiah Radcliffe.