The Eleventh 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 Fifty runners in grade K-2 ran a 200m course around the playground, racing against the clock for sprinters’ 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 11 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 as several kids learned to tie shoes during the week. “That’s a lot less bending over for faculty and parents, less tripping too,” Asbury added, laughing.
This year’s Boy’s title was won for the first time ever by Kindergartener Kenley Anderson winning for the first time to take the Boys Grand Champion with a lap of 36.26 seconds. First grader Adalynn Taylor recorded a lap of 37.75 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. “This was the first year in 11 that two underclassmen won the Grand Champion award. With good running times being turned in each year, either the course is shrinking, or my students are getting faster,” stated Asbury. “There was one new school record by Cameron Wiley in the wheelchair division who completed his lap in 38 seconds.”
“The thing about this race is that we will have new qualifiers all of the time,” says Asbury. “The Tooth Fairy is the busiest dude I know of, even busier than Santa and Easter Bunny. There isn’t a recession with the Tooth Fairy.”
This has become quite the prestigious award for K-2 students. “The will to win must be accompanied by the will to prepare. All the excitement and anticipation for the race encourages the younger students to work harder in PE class,” said Asbury.
In closing, Mr. Asbury and the students would like to dedicate this year’s race to Coach Jackie Joe Robinson for all his years of service to the youth of Greenbrier County as a coach, teacher and athlete. Thanks Coach!
Winners of the 2019 WSS ES Tooth Fairy 200m
– “Missing teeth and tying shoes”
(A total of 150 students qualified and participated)
Grand Champions:
Boy: Henley Anderson, 36.26 (K) Mrs. Perry
Girl: Adalynn Taylor, 37.75 (1st) Mrs. Nester
Kindergarten Champions:
Boy: Zander Rodoussakis, 39.38, Mrs. Stacy
Girl: Ava Master, 40.41, Mrs. Stacy
First Grade Champions:
Boy: Ryker Adwell, 36.49, Mrs. Cline
Girl: Cora Hefner, 41.09, Mrs. Nester
Second Grade Champions:
Boy: Colton DeHaven, 38.31, Mrs. Londeree
Girl: Caitlynn McMillion, 37.13, Mrs. Miller
Wheelchair Champion:
Cameron Wiley , 38.14, Mrs. Defibaugh