rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — Students at Canton Area Elementary School participated in a ‘Relay for PTA’ event on the track last Thursday, May 20 with the Parent Teacher Association.
Canton Elementary students braved the almost 90 degree weather and exercised for 40 minutes out on the track for their sponsorships they have collected throughout April and May.
“This (activity) is what they said they were going to do while collecting money, spending 40 minutes being active,” said teacher Deb Fitzwater, who organizes the event.
Students had the opportunity to raise money and earn prizes such as a pick out of the treasure box, photo booth time, extra recess, a star on the wall and more.
The entire school earned an ice cream party for reaching $10,000. For reaching $14,000 raised, they were able to enjoy a slide during their day on the track.
“PTA pays for all the field trips for the elementary, for things that require admission, for events we do at the elementary school, so we need that amount of money to support everything,” said Fitzwater, noting that last year, they really weren’t able to do much due to COVID. “So we have been working off last year’s money, but the kids did a great job. They made their goal.”
“I think they enjoyed it, had a really good time,” Fitzwater said about the event. “That’s what the PTA is about, making sure the kids have a good time.”
Many local businesses also donated to the cause and were recognized on social media for their efforts.
“Thank you to EVERYONE (students, teachers, donors, parents, grandparents, volunteers, corporate sponsor, etc.) for your amazing support!” read a post on their Facebook.
Online donations can still be made until this Thursday, May 27. For more information, go to the Relay for PTA’s Facebook at www.facebook.com/CantonPTA.