PTEF will also fund one $5,000 mega grant for the Early Childhood Academy to build an outdoor classroom and lab for our preschoolers. Since 1994 PTEF has funded more than $1.2 million in grants to support innovative and creative programs to enhance learning. One of its annual signature events to support these grants is Coach Hathaway’s Running South, which will take place Saturday, Sept. 22, at Southport High’s Cardinal Stadium.
The day kicks off with a health fair, open to all, in the school’s fieldhouse. Packet pick up begins at 7:30 a.m., and participants will meet at the starting line at 8:55 a.m. Registration is underway for runners and walkers interested in signing up for the 10K, 5K, 1-mile fun run/walk or quarter-mile kiddie romp with the Perry Township Schools’ mascots.
There is something for everyone of all ages. Running South bears Coach Tom Hathaway’s name because of his passion for racing. At age 79 he was the oldest finisher at the inaugural event. Before his death in April 2012, Mr. Hathaway ran 131 marathons and countless other races. In fact, he ran one marathon in each state, gaining him entry into the 50 States Marathon Club.
“Organizing this race in honor of coach Hathaway is one of the highlights of our year,” said foundation Executive Director Amelia Miller. “He inspired hundreds of runners throughout Indianapolis, particularly on the Southside. I know he’d be proud of the community event he inspired.”
Running was in coach Hathaway’s blood. He taught and coached cross country and track in Perry Schools for 46 years – most of the time at Southport High, where a memorial stands in his honor. Mr. Hathaway also taught track and field at IUPUI for five years; he coached and taught at University of Indianapolis for more than eight. He was a beloved mentor to hundreds of runners. Every year it is an honor to see hundreds in our community come together to honor coach Hathaway’s memory and to support education. Visit www.ptef.org to register.
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Some Perry Township police officers helped kids get excited for the start of their school day with a High-Five Friday at Lincoln Elementary School as shown on the front page by Southsider Voice Editor B. Scott Mohr. Principal John Sponsel said the event provides the opportunity for the police to create more positive relationships with the students. And police said it’s important that the kids know that they do more than just drive around in a car and go after bad guys.
“They get to see us in person, they get to see the professionalism and they get to see that there’s somebody, we outside of, you know, the administration, that cares,” said officer Tom Shambaugh.