First Annual Turkey Trot at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

The Du Quoin Community Unit District 300 Wellness Committee held its first fun walk/run called the "Turkey Trot" on Nov. 10 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. Approximately 110 participants including students, parents, teachers, and faculty participated. While parents registered to walk or run, students were involved in games provided by the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) program from Southern Illinois Healthcare.

Many people from within District 300, including students, contributed in different ways to make the "Turkey Trot" a success. District art teachers, Ms. Candace Manning and Ms. Andrea Collins, had students make turkeys to mark/decorate the walking path and provided face painting for the kids after the walk.

Mrs. Sarah Phipps and her kindergarten class provided the Wellness Committee with a hand-print turkey banner to hang at the event.

Mr. Steve Imhoff, Du Quoin High School industrial arts teacher, provided wooden stakes to mark the walking path. Mr. Larry Alvarado (Du Quoin Middle School) and Mr. Tim Davis (Du Quoin athletic trainer) mapped out the walking path and assisted participants along the way.

Trophies were given to the first students to cross the finish line. The first person overall to finish the race was Nicholas King, 14, of Du Quoin. The first girl was Chloe Hill, 11, of Du Quoin. Adult winners were Holly Howerton and Darren Hill. They were awarded a Thanksgiving Turkey. Door prizes were also given away after the event.

Sponsors included--Gold Sponsors: Doc Z's Fitness, Du Quoin Health Center, Linzee Insurance, Rea Clinic, SIH, Marshall Browning Hospital, Caring and Sharing Thrift Shop in Pinckneyville, D-Sign Shoppe (designed and provided banner) Silver Sponsors: Favorite Things by Judy and Company, Dr. Richard Weinberg, Dr. Isaac Davision and Doug Morgenstern.