By Amanda Kennington, Healthy Community School Coordinator

Highlands Elementary’s 5th Annual Color Run was more than just a fundraiser - the experience brought the entire school community together. The event created a fun, inclusive environment where students, families, and staff could connect outside the classroom while promoting healthy, active lifestyles. The color run encouraged participation from everyone, regardless of fitness level, and turned physical activity into something joyful and memorable.

5th -grade teacher, Michelle Stangle, said, "Who knew getting active could be so fun? Color run is an event that students and staff look forward to each year. It is wonderful to see smiling faces on students, families, and staff faces while being active and getting a pop of color at the same time!”

As participants moved and laughed together, they not only celebrated the funds raised for the school but also strengthened relationships, built school spirit, and reinforced the importance of wellness in ways that last far beyond the event itself.

Principal Blanca Capetillo said, “Our 5th Annual Color Run was a joyful celebration of community, wellness, and school spirit. Families enjoyed exercising, laughing, and dancing to music from our DJ, while vendors provided food and added to the festive atmosphere. Our staff was fully engaged, and our Hawk Council volunteers helped support a successful family event. Each year, this event continues to grow and is something our students, staff, and Highlands community look forward to. It truly reflects our motto—Soar Above the Rest.”

The Highlands Campus School Health Advisory Committee, led by Champion Joel Kunz, has expanded on the momentum from multiple opportunities that were offered throughout the school year as a part of the school’s coordinated approach to child health (CATCH) program.

"It's really neat to see the students and their families having fun together. There are smiles all around. I'm so blessed to be at an amazing campus. Coach Kotlarz did a great job with registration and organizing the volunteers for the color run stations. Our faculty and staff helped make this a memorable event for our students," said Joel Kunz.

Additional events for families to be involved with their children and have fun while promoting health habits included family fitness and dance nights, active recess initiatives, health challenges, campus gardens, and partnerships with local community organizations to support nutrition and physical activity.

These efforts help ensure that healthy habits are not limited to a single event, but become a shared, ongoing commitment across the entire school community. Strengthening the connection between schools and community supports the broader goal of improving children’s health, ultimately enhancing student attendance, engagement, and academic achievement.