Parent Nest PTO to host fun run on Saturday

By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

As summer vacation is nearing the end, the NY Mills Parent Nest Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is hosting The Mills Messy & Mighty Fun Run that will put a colorful cap on the summer before school starts.

“This year’s run will be a lot of fun!” said Virginia Hendrickx, organizer. “Much like last year, it will feature color and obstacles and music but we’re also adding in some slime and mud and a celebratory foam pit. Runners also have the option to kind of customize their running experience—they can choose to do or not do the obstacles and avoid the mess if they’d rather.

“Being on the track also gives some flexibility to customize run distance,” Hendrickx continued. “I believe the track is a quarter of a mile so if they just want to do a shorter distance, they can but if they’re looking for a full mile, they’re welcome to run around the course a few extra times. We think this makes it more friendly to a wider range of ages and abilities.”

The Fun Run is sponsored by Astera Health and Lund Boats this year in addition to a foam pit sponsored by Mr. Bubble, which donated bubble bath to run through the foam machines for the run. A cost of $15 per participant will be taken to help further the mission of the Parent Nest. Everyone is invited and participants are asked to bring a white or light shirt for the color portion.

“I’m looking forward to recreating the atmosphere of excitement and community that we had at last year’s event,” said Hendrickx. “It was so vibrant in color and feeling. Kids and adults got to reconnect before another school year in a no pressure, non competitive atmosphere that we all know is just for fun and for the benefit of our incredible school.”

This year’s Fun Run will be moved to the track at Smith Park around the football field and will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17.

“The Fun Run benefits our community because any money we raise goes right back into our school,” said Hendrickx. “Last year, our start up year of being a PTO, we did some really great things including fun activities for the kids of Leap Day and the last day of school, providing meals for teachers on conference nights, new teacher welcome baskets, and little things for all school staff during the year, among others.

“Our goal, as the Parents Nest, is to help make things run a little smoother at the school, whether that is in filling gaps that may pop up or boosting morale to help our staff be at their best,” Hendrickx continued. “It’s one that I think a lot of people can get behind because we all want to see our school be successful in helping the current generation of Eagles soar.”