Seaside Elementary raises $15,000 for new outdoor learning center

More than 700 Seaside Elementary students raised $15,000 for a new outdoor learning center through a nine-day program ending with a fun run.

The Boosterthon raises money for schools through monetary pledges for every lap a student can run in the “Fun Run.” Boosterthon also educates students on fitness and character development during the 9-day program.

This year’s theme, “Big World Recess,” focused on teaching character through sports in other countries, according to a press release from Boosterthon.

“During the nine days, students at Seaside Elementary – located in Garden City – experienced up-close how sports bring people together,” the release said. “Documentary-style videos taught students how to develop teamwork, curiosity, practice, humility, confidence and endurance through the every day stories of six kid-athletes from around the world.”

The “Fun Run” on Friday resulted in 720 students running laps around Seaside’s gym, and students raised more than $15,000 for a new outdoor project, the release said said. Teachers, family members and friends cheered on their students who collected pledges for every finished lap.

This year was the first time Seaside Elementary has held their own “Fun Run,” but other Horry County Schools have participated in the Boosterthon before.

On average, students ran 30 to 35 laps. Some school officials took “pies” to the face to celebrate the end of the program.

This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 4:58 PM with the headline "Seaside Elementary raises $15,000 for new outdoor learning center."