PRESS RELEASE Tracey H. Lewis, Ed.D.

Director of Communications

P.O. Box 364

Dobson, North Carolina 27017

336/386-8211 Cell: 336/401-1873

Fax: 336/386-4756

E-Mail: lewist@surry.k12.nc.us

_________________________________

For Immediate Release

November 22, 2019

Surry County Schools GROW Strong Teams Complete Third Annual 5K

Thursday, November 21, 2019, was race day at Fisher River Park in Dobson, North Carolina. Surry

County School System elementary school GROW Strong running clubs completed the third Annual

Surry County Schools GROW Strong 5K. GROW is an acronym for Go Run Our World, and began with

a one-mile run for Kindergarten, first, and second-grade runners. Since its inception, the race has

become a major event for students, families, and the community.

The GROW Strong initiative began with the vision of Superintendent, Dr. Travis L. Reeves, a running

enthusiast. Superintendent Reeves stated, “This was a great day for Surry County Schools and our

community. I am so proud of the resilience of our students and the enthusiasm for health and wellness

that is built from a love of running. I am so proud of our 415 students who participated in today’s race. I

am also proud of our coaches for their support of this program in each of our eleven elementary schools.

Students train for approximately ten weeks prior to the event and celebrate their hard work when they

cross the finish line.”

Each club strives to have a sponsor to help with the expenses. “We couldn’t do this without the support

of our sponsors and the partnership with the Surry County Parks and Recreation. Their staff did a great

job preparing for and during the event. I would also like to thank the organizers and volunteers who

have given their time and efforts to support these young people today. Everyone worked together to

ensure the race went off without a hitch,” shared Reeves.

Sponsors of the GROW Strong clubs at each school are:

● Cedar Ridge Elementary - Tim Hamlin Farm Bureau

● Copeland Elementary - Carolina Laser Designs and Copeland Ruritan Club

● Dobson Elementary - Surry Insurance

● Franklin Elementary - Chick-fil-A

● Mountain Park Elementary - Kevin Powell's Foothill Ford

● Pilot Mountain Elementary - Pilot Educational Tours

● Rockford Elementary - Surry Central Track Family, Elkin Pediatric & Adult Medicine, and

Wilmoth Lawn Care

● Shoals Elementary - Pilot Mechanical

● Westfield Elementary - Sunni Goat Farm, Asbury Barbershop, and Utility Trailer Manufacturing

● White Plains - Choice Metal Buildings

Today’s third, fourth, and fifth-grade race began at 10:00 in the morning and by 10:45 am, all 415

runners had crossed the finish line. There were more than 22 adults along the course cheering runners on

and providing support to ensure the event was a safe and fun experience for all participants. The 2019-

2020 Teacher of the Year and GROW Strong Coach at Rockford Elementary, Mrs. Deanne Fitzgerald,

coordinated the event, along with Surry County Schools Educational Foundation Liaison, Mrs. Ashley

Mills, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development PreK-12, Dr. DeAnne

Danley. The School Nutrition Department provided bagged lunches for runners, High Country Springs

donated water, and Pepsi donated Gatorade.

Dr. Reeves and Dr. Danley presented the following awards to third, fourth, and fifth-grade students:

3rd Grade Girls School

1. Brisa Reyes Rockford Elementary

2. Lyset Sanchez-Garcia Rockford Elementary

3. Ellie Anderson Pilot Mountain Elementary

4th Grade Girls School

1. Madison Ayers Rockford Elementary

2. Daniela Ayala Pilot Mountain Elementary

3. Nicole Caro Pilot Mountain Elementary

5th Grade Girls School

1. Catherine Chaire Cedar Ridge Elementary

2. Colby Badgett Pilot Mountain Elementary

3. Sophia Easter Franklin Elementary

3rd Grade Boys School

1. Brett Lyons White Plains Elementary

2. Rickey Caudill Flat Rock Elementary

3. Gideon Hodges Rockford Elementary

4th Grade Boys School

1. Jay Wright White Plains Elementary

2. Caleb Cruise Dobson Elementary

3. Caleb Norman Rockford Elementary

5th Grade Boys School

1. Cayden Newman White Plains Elementary

2. Talon Dearborn Franklin Elementary

3. Luke Woods Pilot Mountain Elementary

Pilot Mountain Elementary accepted the award for the overall fastest boys’ team, and the overall fastest

girls’ team this year.

The final presentation was the GROW Strong All Heart awards for male and female. Coaches could

nominate students for this award based on attitude, participation, courage, and team spirit.

Aaron Morales from Copeland Elementary and Sophia Easter from Franklin Elementary won those

awards. Congratulations to all students and coaches!

For information about sponsoring a GROW Strong team, please contact Mrs. Ashley Mills at

(336) 386-8211or visit scsfoundation.org.

Winners pictured left to right are:

● 3rd Grade Boys: Gideon Hodges, Brett Lyons & Dr. Reeves (Rickey Caudill is not pictured)

● 3rd Grade Girls: Brisa Reyes, Lyset Sanchez-Garcia, Ellie Anderson & Dr. Reeves

● 4th Grade Boys: Caleb Norman, Caleb Cruise, Jay Wright & Dr. Reeves

● 4th Grade Girls: Madison Ayers, Daniela Ayala, Nicole Caro & Dr. Reeves

● 5th Grade Boys: Luke Woods, Talon Dearborn, Cayden Newman & Dr. Reeves

● 5th Grade Girls: Colby Badgett, Sophia Easter, Catherine Chaire & Dr. Reeves

● Dr. Reeves with Female All Heart Award Winner Sophia Easter

● Dr. Reeves with Male All Heart Award Winner Aaron Morales

● Overall Fastest Boys’ Team - Pilot Mountain Elementary

● Overall Fastest Girls' Team - Pilot Mountain Elementary