Last updated: 29th April 2004

Unlike other elementary schools in Columbia, Ridgeway School does not have a "catchment area" and, instead, draws its students from the entire city. As a result, only a handful of students live close enough to walk to school.

So, to enable all the Ridgeway families to participate in a walk-to-school day, a "staging post" was established on Friday March 19 at the Columbia Public Library, about three-quarters of a mile from school. 64 children along with many parents, and teachers met there and walked to school (above and right). The Columbia Police Dept. provided traffic control at Garth and Sexton, and Ridgeway's "Partners in Education," Ameren UE and Dana Corp., generously provided breakfast for everyone.

A few weeks later on Friday April 23, 91 students of West Boulevard Elementary walked to school. Many of them met at the new Health Dept. building (the old Nowells grocery) and walked as a group with Jay Bramblett of the Police Dept. and Marshall, mascot of the Mid-Missouri Mavericks (below and left). Fortunately, the rain held off, and walkers were served fresh fruit on arrival at school.

Many thanks to prize draw sponsors for both events, Tryathletics, the Mid-Missouri Mavericks, the Empire Roller Rink and the Activity and Recreation Center.