Last updated: 12th October 2005

Check out the Columbia Daily Tribune's front page photograph and story about International Walk-to-School Day. Worldwide, millions of kids walked to school - drawing attention to the many benefits of walking: good health, a fun time, reduced congestion and air pollution, energy conservation and security.

Derby Ridge Elementary School got off to an early start on Tuesday to avoid a conflict with School Photo Day (the whole week was International Walk-to-School Week). School nurse Ardith Harmon used PedNet's Walk-to-School Resource Packet and, with help from Tina Windet, Ann Denny, and the Family School Partnership, organized an event in which 150 children and parents walked the half-mile from Laing Middle School to Derby Ridge.

Grant Elementary School: MU Athletic Director Mike Alden joined son Jake's regular Walking School Bus team led by Chris Walthall, as they left the Grasslands Neighborhood. At Office Depot, they picked up dozens more walkers, including the Rock Bridge Bruin (see photo) and Columbia Public Schools' Superintendent of Elementary Education Jack Jensen. At school, the total number of walkers swelled to 208 including KFRU host Fred Parry and son Max. Many thanks to principal Beverly Borduin, teacher Jim Hogan, "Miss Sue," Margy Tonnies, and Sanofi Pharmacy for the breakfast snacks, and to Jay Bramblett of the Columbia Police Dept. for arranging for speed limit enforcement on Broadway.

Columbia Catholic School (CCS), Russell Boulevard Elementary, and West Boulevard Elementary students all met at the ARC at various times between 7:30 and 8:15am. More than 60 CCS kids led by PE teacher Amy Gundy left first to walk north to their school. Next, 83 from Russell set off southwards to their school where snacks and a prize drawing were organized by school and PTA staff including Ed Schumacher, Ruth Gardner, Mary Lamberson, Allie Gassmann and Uschi Clart. During the walk, Columbia minstrel Jill Bacon led the children in a walking "cadence" while parent Chris Hayday called in to KFRU's David Lile Show with a live report. Finally, councilwoman Almeta Crayton, "TJ" Tiger, and PE teacher Amy Lewis led 108 West Boulevard students east to their school where their reception was arranged by principal Vickie Robb and PTA leaders Melissa Hendren and Lisa Hall.

Ridgeway Elementary School: 73 students and staff met former student and former County Commissioner Don Stamper at the Public Library and walked three-quarters of a mile to school, where food was kindly provided by Ridgeway's Partners in Education, Dana Corporation and Ameren UE. Thanks also to Walking School Bus leader Dana Fritz and principal Susan Fales.

At Lee Elementary School, 30-50 students walked, many of them starting at Boone Hospital Center and using the two Stephens College pedestrian bridges. Congratulations to parent Gina Overshiner for single-handedly organizing this event. And the Fairview Elementary School Walking School Bus led by parent Trina Warder was joined by Mayor Darwin Hindman and radio host Simon Rose for their 1.75-mile walk to school.

Finally, many thanks to prize sponsors Empire Roller Rink and the ARC; Columbia Police Department's Jay Bramblett, Tim Moriarty, Jeff Westbrook, Jeff Fork, and Scott Surgeon; SAFEKIDS Coalition's Cheryl Hardy, Susan Ascher, Holly Bentley, and Darla Atkins; Heather Baer of the Columbia/Boone County Health Dept; PedNet volunteers including Kate Finley; and Chris Walthall, Tom LaFontaine, and Stacia Reilly of the Active Living Project Team.