Paddock Lane students to walk for diabetes

Paddock Lane Elementary School students will step onto the track Wednesday in an effort to raise funds and awareness of diabetes and to promote physical activity.

“Paddock Lane is doing a walk the track for diabetes day on Wednesday,” Paddock Lane Principal Betty Replogle said. “We’re doing it to help raise funds for the American Diabetes Association, and to promote physical activity, which is so important.”

The event starts at 10:30 a.m. at Athletic Park with the whole school walking the track, she said.

“If they raise $2,500 then I will lead them around the track twirling a baton,” Replogle said.

The event will continue until 1:40 p.m. with different classes taking turns walking the track, while students will also participate in a variety of health activities, including jumping rope, tug of war and dribbling basketballs with their feet, she said.

The event will finish up with all the students walking the track. Physical education teacher Steve Hartman will lead them around the track while dribbling a basketball.

“We invite anyone from the public who wants to join in to come out,” Replogle said.

Fundraising efforts are being conducted by students by seeking donations from family and friends, she said.

“We asked them not to go door to door,” Replogle said.

The goal of $2,500 is based on the last walk for diabetes the school did.

“We did this two years ago and raised about $2,500,” she said.

Replogle said the reason the school is holding this event is because several children with diabetes attend the building.

“We hope to elevate the awareness of the students and public,” she said.

Replogle said for those interested in donating, funds can be brought to the event on Wednesday. Checks should be made out to the American Diabetes Association. Donations can also be mailed to Paddock Lane, 1300 N. 14th St., Beatrice.