Students at Springville Elementary School were working hard last week to stay in shape and raise money. It was the second annual Boosterthon fundraiser that had elementary school kids out on the playground getting fit and raising money for the school.

Last year, this event cleared over $20,000 and SES Principal Bobby Byrd hopes to make even more money his year.

Kyle Sellers is a team leader for Boosterthon, a company based out of Atlanta, Ga., that helps schools raise money.

“We are an alternative to your basic products sell fundraisers,” Sellers said. “The kids get pledges for the number of laps they run at the fun run. At the same time, it’s helping them get or stay in shape by exercising whether they walk or run. We focus on helping the schools raise short-term funds and at the same time, teach kids about fitness, leadership and character. This year’s character theme is leader launch. So we talk about leadership and the fitness aspect of the fun run.”

Byrd said this is a great event and it was coordinated in conjunction with the PTO.

“It is a great way for our students to get out and actively participate in a more unique fundraiser,” Byrd said. “It’s one of those things where we do not ask the students to sell anything. Parents don’t have to worry about storing anything. Basically, the kids get pledges fir the number of laps they run. It’s good for them because they are out running and having fun in the sun.”

Contact Gary Hanner at ghanner@thestclairtimes.com.