Colored powder explodes in your face like a rainbow dust devil. Your friend laughs as powder puffs out your nostrils, and your skin and clothes take on the rainbow theme, too. Every year the Powell High School holds a freshman color run, a fundraising event that helps raise money for the physical education department.
“The color run is all about building community and making fitness fun,” physical education teacher Mrs. Charli Fluty said. “It gives students a chance to move, laugh, and connect with their classmates in a positive, low-pressure environment. It’s also something enjoyable and social.”
Not only do these color runs have a good impact on the PE department, but they also energize the students participating. These freshman color runs encourage movement and physical activity in a fun and non-competitive way.
“I liked the color run because there were lots of colors,” freshman Anyston Keller said. “I got to run with my friends, and it was fun seeing everyone else be super colorful.”
Most of the freshmen have said they enjoyed the color run mainly because of the colors and the socializing. The run encourages people to try new things, to build social skills, and to make exercising exciting.
“It was really fun,” freshman Lynea Christensen said. “And I loved hanging out with my friends.”
Without the color run, not only would the unique recreational part of this be lost, but also the fundraising. The color run is what helps the school financially with equipment and field trips.
“A wonderful bonus is the fundraising portion,” Mrs. Fluty said. “[It] has allowed us to purchase equipment for new, student-requested units and experience field trips like skiing and bowling.”
The color run welcomes freshmen to PHS, experiencing what it’s like to be a Panther and having that school spirit. They get to meet some of the upperclassmen who got to take part in the color run by making the freshmen as colorful as possible.
“We host this for freshmen because it’s a great way to welcome them to high school,” Mrs. Fluty said. “It helps bond with their classmates, meet some upperclassmen and leaders in a fun setting.”
Instead of running laps around the school, students head across the street to Homesteader Park, where they run around more beautiful paths.
“We’re lucky to partner with the Powell Parks Department, who generously allow us to use Homesteader Park each year for our events,” Mrs. Fluty said. “The park’s walking path provides a fun, scenic, and safe route that’s perfect for our students.”
