Prospect Hill Elementary School students walked or ran as many laps as they could in five minutes on Nov. 25 in a Trot for the Trees event that raised more than $67,000 for a new outdoor classroom.

The event ended with speeches by Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ and Nicole Giglio, chairwoman of the Prospect Hill Outdoor Classroom Committee.

“I heard about this event about two weeks ago,” said Champ. “I think this was a great way for the Prospect Hill community to celebrate and participate in raising over $67,000 for an outdoor classroom at the elementary school. I am incredibly appreciative to the folks who took the lead on planning the event. Being able to create some sort of outdoor classroom has been important to the community for all of Pelham’s elementary schools. Seeing kids planting and putting down benches and hardscapes is fantastic for the youth of Pelham, as shown at two of our other elementary schools, Siwanoy and Colonial.”

The lower field and playground at Prospect Hill were transformed into an Olympic-like scene with the help of teachers and parents who volunteered their time.

Pelham resident Salli Garrigan ran a relaxation station to prepare the students for the hot weather. “I loved working with such enthusiastic kids because they enjoyed doing breathing exercises and yoga,” said Garrigan. “It’s great to get to know all of the kids at Prospect Hill individually and in small groups. The stations I ran today helped the runners to stay focused and calm during their races.” 

Chelsea, a fourth grader, said the music helped her to keep moving during the laps in the 80-degree heat. “The music, like Eminem and Queen’s ‘We Are the Champions,’ motivated me to run in the heat and run a second lap,” said Chelsea. “Especially Eminem, because I enjoy rap music.”

“It was hard to run the race with the heat, but I’m glad I did it for a good cause,” said Zara, also a student in the fourth grade. “The music kept me motivated.”

Giglio, who has two kids at Prospect, said that helping to create a brighter future for her children has been fulfilling. “It’s been a long year, but the teachers have been incredible in regards to dealing with all the changes and chaos that has happened in these past few months,” said Giglio. “Thanks to the staff’s flexibility and hard work, we were all able to make this happen today. I loved seeing my daughter be so excited and joyful about the future outdoor classroom, and it made all of my work here feel worthwhile.”

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