Denison community embraces DISD 5K for Kindness
Sunny skies and near-perfect running conditions greeted hundreds of Denison ISD teachers, students, staff, families and community members as they gathered early on October 3rd at Denison High School for the district’s 4th annual DISD 5K for Kindness and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk.
DISD Superintendent Dr. Henry Scott called the event “the best ever in terms of a renewed and dedicated commitment to treating one another with respect, kindness, tolerance and acceptance… a tremendous testimony to the heart and spirit of the Denison community.”
“We had to cancel last spring’s 5K event because of the coronavirus lockdown, but the resilience of our Denison people and school personnel motivated us to reschedule…and today’s results were nothing short of tremendous,” said Scott. “Civility and respect for one another were very evident in everything from the wearing of masks and social distancing…to the camaraderie and fun as we ran and walked for a cause that is near and dear to all of us. In these turbulent and difficult times, I think this spirit is what we all need more than anything. I’m just very grateful to First United Bank for sponsoring this event and to all our other sponsors and supporters as well as everyone who came out to walk and run.”
Scott said the annual 5K is the district’s signature POPS (Power of Positive Students) event, an off-shoot of the Rachel’s Challenge program that has had a very positive impact on Denison’s schools and community over the past decade. “Kindness and compassion, the importance of daily exercise and living healthy lifestyles…these were the important things we had in mind when we first planned this fun, family-oriented event that has impacted our entire community in so many positive ways.”
DISD’s Shonda Cannon, event organizer, says the district’s 5K for Kindness continues to experience healthy growth every year. “Our registered walk/run participants this year numbered in the hundreds, and that doesn’t count a lot of sponsors, individual donors and community supporters who just came out with their families to enjoy the day and share in the camaraderie,” said Cannon. “Proceeds from the event will be divided among our Denison Boys & Girls Club, the Denison Education Foundation and the Rachel Ramer Scholarship Fund, all which provide vital programs for our Denison schools and students. I can’t say enough great things about this event and its potential to impact the lives of every single Denison citizen.”
According to Cannon, the 5K race utilizes chip timing to attract seasoned runners and awards gold, silver and bronze medals to the top three finishers in eight age categories. “We had some really great times and finishes this year, the weather was perfect, and the excitement and energy were beyond amazing,” said Cannon. “We’re just so grateful to our generous sponsors, supporters and families who helped us make this year’s event the best ever.”
Dozens of future Denison Yellow Jackets raced past their parents and other runners and walkers during last Saturday’s 1 Mile Fun Run, part of the district’s 5K for Kindness event hosted annually at Denison High School.
Members of Rachel Ramer’s family gathered at the finish line after walking the 5K in memory and honor of their beloved Rachel, who taught math at Scott Middle School throughout her lengthy battle with leukemia. “She’s Number One in all our hearts,” said event organizer Shonda Cannon. “She would be so proud that part of the proceeds from this event help fund scholarships for future teachers who will continue her legacy of excellence in teaching.”
Shonda Cannon, organizer of DISD’s 5K for Kindness and 1 Mile Fun Run, shared race details with masked participants prior to the start of last Saturday’s annual event at Denison High School.
Denison ISD’s 5K for Kindness and 1 Mile Fun Run last Saturday morning at Denison High School is an annual POPS (Power of Positive Students) event that promotes kindness and compassion throughout Denison schools and the community. “Kindness and compassion, the importance of daily exercise and living healthy lifestyles…these were the important things we had in mind when we first planned this fun, family-oriented event that has impacted our entire community in so many positive ways,” said DISD Superintendent Dr. Henry Scott.
Denison’s Brett Evans raced his son to the finish line during last Saturday’s 4th annual 5K for Kindness and 1 Mile Fun Run at Denison High School. Proceeds from the event are divided among the Denison Boys and Girls Club, the Denison Education Foundation and the Rachel Ramer Scholarship Fund.
Race participants in masks gathered at the “First United -- Spend Life Wisely” tent to visit and hear pre-race instructions prior to the start of the 4th annual Denison ISD 5K for Kindness and 1 Mile Fun Run this past Saturday at Denison High School.“I’m just very grateful to First United Bank and all our other sponsors, supporters, runners and walkers for joining us in this important endeavor,” said DISD Superintendent Dr. Henry Scott.
