By Bart Moss for the FCT

Belgreen High School had its first-ever color run Friday to close out the school week. The event, organized by Tara Oliver, was designed as a fun way to promote parent involvement in the school and raise much-needed funds as well.

Close to 300 students and adults participated in the event. The participants ran a course that ranged from a half-mile to a mile depending on the age group of the students. As they ran, volunteers doused the participants with colored powder. By the time the run was complete, the mix of sweat and colored powder made for a fun, messy event.

The color run provided a memorable opportunity to students to have a fun time and parents to get involved with the school. The event was also a fundraiser for Belgreen.

“Parent involvement is a big priority for our school,” said Oliver. “Students do much better in school when their parents and grandparents are involved, and our schools work better when parents and grandparents are involved. I was very pleased with the outcome of the event and so thankful to everyone who helped put it on.”

Oliver said the school’s goal is to have a parental involvement activity at least once a month. Some of the upcoming events include a double-feature movie night on the baseball field, grandparents tea party, snacks with Santa Claus near Christmas and Valentine’s date night for parents and their children.

“I want to give a big shout out to Donald Borden, Glen Rickard, Susan Crittenden, Melissa Cox, Coach Chad Green, Darryl Taylor, Beth Lane, Ann McMahan, Holly Borden and Greg Hamilton for throwing powder. It was a messy job.

“Without the help of sponsors, this event would not have been possible,” said Oliver. “And I want to personally thank them on behalf of Belgreen High School.”

Sponsors of the event were Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, Sen. Larry Stutts, H&R Block, CB&S Bank, Borden Dental, Sutton Tree Service, Eye Care Professionals, Dependable Dozer (Eddie Britton), J&L Convenience, McAnally All Lawn Care, Green’s Dependable Hardware, Homestead Café, Jason Miller, Family Pharmacy, Parker’s Wholesale, Terry Dempsey (circuit judge) Shannon Oliver (Board of Education), Donald Borden, Greg Hamilton and Bart Moss (candidates for Superintendent of Education).

Anyone who is a parent or grandparent of a child at Belgreen and would like more information on being more involved and making an impact can call the school at 256-331-1376.