On Friday, November 17, 2023, the sixth Annual Surry County Schools GROW Strong 5K raced through Fisher River Park. All eleven elementary schools participated in the event with more than 350 students competing. The 5K race for third, fourth and fifth-grade runners began at 9:30 in the morning. By 11:00 am, all student runners had completed the race with dozens of family members and Surry County School system staff cheering on each team.
GROW is an acronym for Go Run Our World. The initiative encourages enthusiasm for health and
wellness, and a love of running. Each team’s coach trains students to run a 5K and teaches perseverance, responsibility, race etiquette, self-motivation, self-pride, and teamwork. Training takes place over ten weeks leading up to the big event.
Before the race, the Surry Central High School JROTC presented colors as Surry Central High School student Sierra Crabb beautifully sang the National Anthem. Surry County Parks & Recreation hosted the event and worked with the organizers to ensure safety for all participants. The Surry County Schools Educational Foundation Managing Director, Ashley Mills, along with Rockford Elementary Coach Deanne Fitzgerald, organized the event for Surry County
Schools.
Superintendent of Surry County Schools, Dr. Travis L. Reeves, commented before the race, “This is a great day! I am so thankful for all of you and for your families that have come out to support you.” Reeves also commented about how proud he was of each student. “These students have set goals for themselves, and today they are able to reach these goals. I am proud of these students, and I know their coaches and families are proud too.”
Results of the race:
3rd Grade Girls School Time
1. Clara Anne Knox Shoals 26:11.55
2. Sofia Rodriguez Cedar Ridge 27:49.23
3. Phoebe Johnson Rockford 29:26.73
4th Grade Girls School Time
1. Salem Cook Pilot Mountain 27:13.37
2. Lillian Childress Dobson 27:31.84
3. Janney Castillo Nava Copeland 28:06.05
5th Grade Girls School Time
1. Ryleigh Jones Cedar Ridge 23:32.89
2. Eliza Richardson Dobson 24:11.43
3. Bristol Holder Cedar Ridge 25:05.10
3rd Grade Boys School Time
1. Oscar Reyes Rockford 24:41.98
2. Carter Simmons White Plains 25:42.12
3. Avery Lowe Mountain Park 25:51.46
4th Grade Boys School Time
1. Milan Ruiz Rockford 23:12.56
2. Colten Bean Copeland 23:27.35
3. Cesar Avila Copeland 23:44.29
5th Grade Boys School Time
1. Israel Guden Copeland 22:29.39
2. Silas Hiatt White Plains 23:00.86
3. Mason Estrada Pilot Mountain 23:22.74
Cedar Ridge Elementary earned the title of overall fastest girls’ team and Copeland Elementary grasped the title of overall fastest boys’ team. The final recognition was the GROW Strong All Heart award for one male and one female student.
Coaches could nominate students for this award based on attitude, participation, courage, and team spirit. Cecilia Martinez and Milan Ruiz, both from Rockford Elementary, won those awards.
Congratulations to all students and coaches!
The Surry County Schools Educational Foundation is committed to investing in education and
influencing the lives of students through educational experiences inside and outside the classroom as well as investing in educators. For more information about the Surry County Schools Educational Foundation, please contact Ashley Mills at (336) 386-8211 or visit scsfoundation.org.