Summer Campbell-Kern Valley Sun

Candy bars, bake sales and car-washes; all events that a typical school might plan to raise funds. South Fork Middle School decided more than 15 years ago to start fund-raising for school activities a different way. In response to this change of pace fund raising idea, the students at South Fork Middle School hit the street in search of sponsors and then hit the road with the goal to walk/runner/ skip or shuffle some 15 miles.

This year's annual South Fork Walk-a-thon took place Friday. The event is organized by South Fork Middle School Resource Specialist Jana Maki. The students are encouraged to get $100 in sponsorships and then to fulfill those sponsorships they are expected to travel some 15 miles by foot. The money raised from the Walk-A-Thon pays for student activities throughout the year, including the eighth grade trip to Magic Mountain, Camp KEEP and a variety of other events.

A large group of enthusiastic South Fork Middle School students led by teacher Brent Mixon leave South Fork Middle School at the beginning of their annual Walk-a-Thon Friday. Students ran fifteen miles to raise money for activities throughout the year. See page B2 for the complete story.

The track for the Walk-A-Thon starts at the South Fork Middle school and heads north to the Y at Kelso Creek road and then up to the Creighton's property and back to the school. Along the 15 mile stretch there are 13 water stops that are manned by parent volunteers; they hand out water, and energy infusing snacks. The track is also patrolled by several staff members in vehicles to ensure that students are still safely holding up to the exhausting expectations.

All of the South Fork Middle School staff also venture the 15 mile course all at different points. Teacher Brent Mixon traditionally leads the forefront of the students. Each year Mixon challenges the students to a running competition, to see if any of the students can out run him. Principal and Superintendent Robin Shive, along with Maki, were a few of the staff members to serve as the caboose of the long train of students. At each water stop the students must check in and have their racing numbers recorded to insure that all the students are accounted for and that the number of miles they travel is accurately recorded.

For many, the Walk-A-Thon is more than just an annual fund-raiser, it is a longstanding tradition. Pat and Barry Kimberly have been helping out with the Walk-A-Thon for years. They currently claim the coveted water stop at the Y. In previous years they brought their motor home for the students to use the restroom, but this year the school provided porta-potties. The Kimberly's have supported the Walk-a-thon through generations of children. They started supporting the event at its original location on Sierra Way. The students used to walk from the Middle School along Sierra Way to Kernville and back.

The Kimberly's have had kids, some children and others grandchildren, at South Fork School for the past 28 years and every year they love encouraging the walkers. 'None of the kids ever forget to say thank you,' said Pat Kimberly. Pat and Berry not only hand out water to the exhausted runners but they offer an encouraging word of praise to each group of students that traveled by their stand Friday.

The 15 mile walk also challenges student to be active. 'There are always going to be children that aren't physically ready, but we encourage them to do the best they can.'said Maki.

The South Fork Middle School Walk-A-Thon is also a time for the staff and students to truly bond and discover their level of trust for one another. 'At South Fork we treat the whole kid, if they need food we feed them if they need clothes we take care of it.' explained Maki. The level of commitment in the students and staff radiated as they helped one another trek the 15 miles. South Fork Middle School opportunity specialist Ruth Carroll transported shoes and other items to the students at the various water stops, while other staff members helped the students that were struggling to make the 15 miles.

The students seem to like the idea of the fund-raiser but few thought it was an easy feat. 'This is my first year, and I don't like it, because I am not used to walking this far,' said 6th grade student Ryan Davis. This is 8th grader Brandon Herd's third year participating in the Walk-A-Thon, and he said, 'It gets harder every year, because I get more luggage going on.'

While the majority of the kids had to push to make that 15th mile, their efforts did not go unrewarded. Following the trip back to the school, the students celebrated with a bar-b-que and day of fun and relaxation.