Opstad Elementary students celebrated their school’s 20th anniversary with a balloon arch and the “Happy Birthday to You” song before beginning their annual walk-a-thon fundraiser Thursday afternoon, Oct. 2.

The weather cooperated as all students and some family members completed laps around the playground to raise money for classroom grants, field trips, and special programs including art and reading.

Now in its 12th year, the PTA-coordinated walk-a-thon is the school’s biggest fundraiser. It usually raises around $50,000, and this year looked to be no exception, organizer Linda Young said.

“It’s not really selling anything, so all the money goes right back to the school,” she said. “And the kids really like it.”

Upbeat music blasted and spirits were high as students put their best foot forward. Each class had made its own class flag, and teachers kept busy giving students tally marks for each lap completed.

Every fourth lap, students could choose a treat. Of course, options included Otter Pops in honor of the school mascot.

Also spreading cheer was Joelle Treharne, co-vice president of the PTA, who danced around in a shoe costume and doled out high-fives liberally. Why was she dressed up that way so many weeks before Halloween?

“Dressing up as a shoe gets the children excited about the walk-a-thon, and I keep the morale up. This is important because this is a community event — not just an Opstad event — because the kids are our future,” she said.