Congrats to the 700 kids who proved there’s a healthy alternative to candy this Halloween by participating in the the Sams Valley Mini Marathon! Fantastic job! We saw kids overcome stomach cramps and skinned knees to gut it out and finish strong. The 5,000 meter (3.1 mile) race was started in 1974 and is part of the fitness program for all of D6’s 4th and 5th graders. Kudos to first place finishers Josiah Tostenson from Jewett Elementary (Boys, 19:29) and Reese Bautista from Richardson (Girls, 22:41). Applause also for CPE’s top finishers, Bennett Palodichuk (2nd), Ethan Johnson (6th), Cody Dutkiewicz (11th), Alexis Silva (12th), and Tyson Chubb (14th), and among the ladies, Ella Heppner (3rd) and Lindsay Siebert (6th). Way to live up to this year’s theme by showing grit and determination!  Thanks also to all our sponsors including Ravassipour Orthodontics, Storage Emporium, Lori Magel Homes, Eagle Home Mortgage, Rogue Meats, Ashland Greenhouses, Elias Hearing & Speech, Sweed, Rainey’s Corner, Goodlett Automotive, Expert Pressure Wash & Supply, and John Warekois CPA, as well as to our local PTOs and school District 6. UPDATE: to see a video of the start of the race, click here.