The Ninth annual Tooth Fairy 200 meter foot race was held in conjunction with the Halloween carnival, drug awareness and Fire Safety Month at White Sulphur Springs Elementary School. One hundred and seventy-three runners in grade K-2 ran a 200-meter course around the playground, racing against the clock for sprinter’s glory.
Categories for racers were by grade level with the fastest times for boys and girls being crowned Tooth Fairy Grand Champions. “This was an idea that was cooked up eight years ago to get the younger students involved with fitness, hygiene and to tie their own shoes,” said physical education teacher Tracy Asbury. It worked too, as several kids learned to tie shoes during the week. “That’s a lot less bending over for faculty and parents, and less tripping too,” Asbury added.
This year’s titles were won by second graders Evan Clinebell winning for the first time in three tries to take the Boys Grand Champion with a lap of 33.41 seconds. Second grade speedster Avery Thompson three-peated her win with a another new school record lap 32.09 seconds to win the Girl’s Grand Champion trophy.
Grand Champions were awarded a special certificate and some gifts, while grade level champions received recognition at a school assembly and prizes. In all, there were two school records set this year, Thompson’s new all-time school record for Grand Champion Girls, and the second grade girls’ school record as well.
“With new records being set each year, either the course is shrinking or my students are getting faster,” said Asbury. “Avery now owns all three grade level records as well as the overall school record for girls,” said Asbury.
“The will to win must be accompanied by the will to prepare.” “All of the excitement and anticipation for the race encourages the younger students to work harder in PE class” said Asbury.
Asbury and the students would like to dedicate this year’s race to Marilyn Leftwich, who tirelessly works with youth as counselor at WSSES and with Greenbrier Community College.
The list of winners is as follows:
Grand Champions
Boy: Evan Clinebell 33.41, 2nd – Mrs. White
Girl: Avery Thompson 32.09, 2nd – Mrs. White
Kindergarten Champions
Boy: Aspyn Jones, 41.65 – Mrs. Stacy
Girl: Bella Douglas, 42.09 – Mrs. Perry
First Grade Champions
Boy: Collin Friend, 36.91 – Mrs. Broce
Girl: Amberlynn Quick, 40.07 – Mrs. Broce
Second Grade Champions:
Boy: Braylen Godfrey, 33.96 – Mrs. Miller
Girl: Noelle McClintic, 33.32 – Mrs. Miller
A total of 173 students qualified and participated.