Holy Family Elementary students prepare to ‘Race for Education’

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Holy Family Elementary's Race for Education Co-Chair, Marcia Dinkel — Holy Family’s Race for Education Co-Chair Marcia Dinkel

The Hays community will see more than 400 kids running a makeshift track all day Friday outside Holy Family Elementary, 1800 Milner.

The Holy Family students are running to raise money for the school’s 11th annual Race for Education fundraiser.

Co-Chair Marcia Dinkel said the race will be begin with sixth graders at 8:45 a.m. and end with kindergarten and preschool classes starting at around 1:30 p.m.

The students have spent months gaining sponsors to pledge money for the race and have already raised $46,000 — more than a $4,000 increase over last year’s fundraiser.

“It’s amazing how much money we have raised and we hope for more,” Dinkel said. “Just like so many schools in the community, we are in need (of funds) … all the money goes right into the general fund to buy things from textbook to chairs, to whatever is needed.”

Dinkel encouraged the community to support the kids, adding the 1/8-mile track is set up by the playground in sight of Vine. In years past, she said cars have driven by and honked to show their support.

Holy Family Elementary pre-shcooler Katie Herrman with mom and Race for Education volunteer said she is "ready to run" Friday. Race for Education volunteer Katie Herrman holdsher daughter, Katie, who will be participating in the race for the first time this year. — Holy Family Elementary pre-schooler Katie Herrman with mom and Race for Education volunteer, Tina Herrman, said she is “ready to run” for her school Friday.

“I just want to thank all those who contribute, we could not do this without the community and family support,” she said.

For the first time, Holy Family parishioner Tina Herrman said she is helping coordinate the event — hard work, but worth it.

“(The committee) works very hard … but it takes everyone to pull it off,” she said.

Dinkel said the community is welcome to stop by and support the students Friday.

For more information or to donate to the Race for Education, contact Holy Family Elementary at (785) 625-3131.