7th Annual Turkey Trot a Success

Chatham Charter recently held its 7th annual Turkey Trot for students in elementary and middle school. On an unusually warm fall day with temperatures reaching 75 degrees, the students, staff, parents and other volunteers were able to enjoy the outdoor activity leading up to next week’s Thanksgiving Break. Many students and staff wore turkey-themed outfits. Several high school classes volunteered or took a break to cheer on the younger runners.

Staff members Michelle Hayhurst and Gary Oakley coordinated the event. Oakley, who designed the majority of the Knights cross country trail, created the special Turkey Trot course for the races.

Kindergarten through second grade students participated in a 12-minute run/walk. Students in grades 3-8 ran a one-mile race with winners receiving Thanksgiving meal items. Each race winner received a turkey; second place received stuffing; and third place received cranberry sauce.

Local business sponsors generously donated to the event. They were Desperado’s Western Mart, Food Lion, Crossroads Grill, Walmart, Marsh Auto Parts, Piggly Wiggly, and Pro Kleen Dry Cleaners.

“It was heartwarming to see everyone excited about the run itself and supporting each other. Mrs. Hayhurst and Mr. Oakley modeled how a willingness to give their all to an event that feeds school spirit can positively impact our whole school. We appreciate all they did to make it a success. The lighthearted mood throughout the day was infectious and made all the more enjoyable by the creative outfits many people chose,” commented Dr. John Eldridge, Head of School.

Top Finishers in the 2021 Turkey Trot:

Third Grade

Boys: Caston Brown (1st), Bentley Meadows (2nd), Jayden McCline (3rd)

Girls: Chloe Hogan (1st), Jordan Dark (2nd), Abigail McDonald (3rd)

Fourth Grade

Boys: Memphis Judson (1st), Cooper Fields (2nd), Owen Trogdon (3rd)

Girls: Zoey Scheidt (1st), Madison Cook (2nd), Corrine Wood (3rd)

Fifth Grade

Boys: Bryson Green (1st), Jackson Clark (2nd), Anderson Paige (3rd)

Girls: Emma Suggs (1st), Mary Ann Bednar (2nd), Lilly Bay Phillips (3rd)

Sixth Grade

Boys: Ryder Murphy (1st), John Cheek (2nd), Bryson Adelman(3rd)

Girls: Addison Vickrey (1st), Emily Scheidt (2nd), Peyton York (3rd)

Seventh Grade

Boys: Isaac Hayhurst (1st), Andrew Bednar (2nd), Torris Price (3rd)

Girls: Hannah Headen (1st), Brooke Lavelle (2nd), Allie McLeod (3rd)

Eighth Grade

Boys: Tyson White (1st), Adam Reese (2nd), Tannin Scheidt (3rd)

Girls: Kynzie Jordan (1st), Destiny Lowery (2nd), Reilly Welker (3rd)