On October 9, 2026, the field behind Highland Elementary transformed into a bustling track filled with music, cheering families, and energetic runners as the school hosted its annual Hawk Walk fundraiser. The event brings together students, staff, families, and local businesses to build school spirit while raising funds for classroom resources and student programs.
"I feel the Hawk Walk is a successful fundraiser because it's a cherished 25-year tradition at Highland Elementary," said Melissa Cunningham, the PTA sponsorship chair. "It brings students, families, and staff together for a fun event with a shared purpose—supporting our school!"
Inclusive Traditions and Campus Collaboration
This year’s event featured a new kickoff tradition, as students from the Special Class led the official countdown, allowing all students across grades K–6 to run together on the track. Susan Ashton, a school staff member, noted that the structure makes the event universally engaging.
"The best part is seeing so many kids have so much fun doing the same activity and it works for everyone from K-6," Ashton said.
School custodian Marc Downs, who prepares the track and facility grounds for the event, agreed that the event's strength lies in its ability to connect families. "I like watching the parents interacting with the kids and running together," Downs said. "The Hawk Walk is a great community event."
Funding Classroom Innovation and Field Trips
Organized jointly by the school and its PTA, proceeds are split to support specific educational needs. Half of the net proceeds are divided equally between the PTA and the school to fund classroom supplies, curriculum materials, and programs such as Battle of the Books, Ninja Readers, and the Spelling Bee. The remaining 10% is dedicated to an annual schoolwide goal, which this year centers on field trips and extracurricular activities.
"Each team will decide what activity or field trip they want to provide for their students that aligns with their core standards," said Highland Elementary principal Matt Killpack. "Additional opportunities like these are exciting and invigorating for students and teachers and help them connect the things they're learning in the classroom with the world at large."
Zany Rewards and Student Excitement
Throughout the fundraising drive, student motivation was fueled by tiered fundraising goals that unlocked incentives as total donations climbed. Milestone benchmarks included a Superhero Dress-Up Day, popsicles at recess, candy dropped from the roof, and a schoolwide dance party. Reaching the top $20,000 threshold unlocked the grand prize, turning Principal Killpack and Assistant Principal Boyce Campbell into human sundaes at a post-race assembly.
"It wouldn't be the Hawk Walk without some type of zany reward at the end of the rainbow," Killpack said. "Kids thrive when they have a target to shoot for, and watching the excitement build as we get closer to the big day is half the fun."
For the students running the track, the atmosphere was equal parts exertion and celebration. Sixth-grade student Ellie, who designed this year's event t-shirt, described the walk as both a fundraiser and a social highlight.
"The Hawk Walk is a fun way to raise money, but it is a great way for students to have fun and hang out with friends," Ellie said.
Fourth-grader Sonora agreed, saying her favorite part was "being able to run and talk with my friends."
Uniting School, Families, and Local Community
Parents participating alongside their children cited the shared effort and school pride as the fundraiser's defining features. Parent Kat Morrow noted how meaningful it was for students to share the day with their families, while parent Kristi Staheli emphasized the broader community impact.
"The sense of community and pride the Hawk Walk creates are what make it so amazing," Staheli said. "It's successful because our entire community comes together: staff, students, parents, the PTA, and local businesses. Teamwork makes the dream work!"
Reflecting on the event's impact, Killpack noted that while the financial contributions are vital, the unity generated by the tradition remains its greatest outcome.
"It's a full-team effort," Killpack said. "The donations are wonderful—but my favorite return on investment is the way the Hawk Walk pulls our whole school community a little closer together every fall."