Colorful fun at J.L. Bowler

By KEVIN NICOLAS

The Progress

It was a beautiful Saturday morning on April 20 as community members, teachers, and students gathered at Joseph L. Bowler Elementary School in Bunkerville for the annual Color Run event, put on by the school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

At around 8 am, participants began arriving near the front entrance of the school in anticipation of the fun run. Shortly after that, the runners were off to the races with bright color dispersing among the faces of students, parents, and participants alike.

Stations were posted around the entire length of the race route which spanned around the elementary school. These stations were staffed with volunteers and staff of Joseph L. Bowler so students got to see familiar faces as they were doused in colored powder tossed out upon them all along the route.

Not only did the station volunteers provide the color for the occasion, they also distributed a variety of little toys, popsicles, and handouts to keep the runners engaged. These items were donated by sponsors from local businesses and organizations.

“I was just surprised at the whole experience!” said Bowler teacher/librarian Jamie Jones. “I have volunteered at both previous walkathons and our PTO is amazing. They never disappoint. Everyone was happy to help. I’d give it a 10/10!”

PTO President Shaye Whipple said that she was pleased with the size of the crowd in attendance. “We planned on about 300 people,” she said. “We were super happy with the turnout! It was so fun seeing so many families come out and have some fun together.”

Whipple credited the success of the events to “an amazing group of ladies” involved in the PTO.
“We all work really well together so putting on events of this scale actually comes together fairly easily,” Whipple said.

Whipple expressed appreciation to the PTO board for all of their help. She also appreciated Bowler principal Chris Jenkins, all of the teachers and staff that helped with the event as well as the sponsors. “We couldn’t have done it without all of them!” she said.