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Howling For Health

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By COURTNEY CAIRNS PASTOR

cpastor@tampatrib.com

Published: April 1, 2009

ODESSA - Walker Middle School hopes to point children toward healthy choices with a three-part fitness fair Friday.

The Parent-Teacher-Student Association organized its first Howl 4 Health Festival to give students a chance to work out, play games and learn about health while raising money for the organization.

Every class will attend and have about an hour to spend in each of three zones, said Michelle Yarish, PTSA president. A two-mile walk-a-thon will take place around the track. Students got pledges for how far they planned to walk.

Another zone will feature field games, such as an obstacle course, tug-of-war, hula hoops and Frisbees. Some of those activities, including the dunk tank, will require a ticket at a small cost. Others will have a nominal fee of a quarter to participate.

Children who raise $100 for the walk-a-thon can participate in everything for free, Yarish said.

The school got vendors to host informational booths for the third zone. Children will be able to get their vision screened or learn tips about washing their hands properly. Some booths will educate about substance abuse or food choices.

Teachers and parents are volunteering at booths and activities.

All of the money raised will benefit the PTSA. The group has had a tough year, Yarish said, and is $3,000 below budget. Part of the drop is due to the economy and people cutting back, but Walker also lost about 400 students to Smith Middle School when it opened in August.

Fewer students means fewer opportunities to raise money, and most expenses have not dropped, Yarish said.

The PTSA supports teacher-appreciation programs, the eighth-grade dance, buses for field trips and classroom supplies, including software or materials for the art department.

Reporter Courtney Cairns Pastor can be reached at (813) 865-1503.

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