Seventy-six students participated Week 2 of Simpson Elementary's "Walk to School" effort. That's an increase over last week's kick-off event and is the most students assembling for the 2013 series, said PTA President Teresa Lunsford. Leading the procession this week was former Miss West Virginia Kaitlin Gates. 

 

Gates served as Miss West Virginia 2012 and represented the state in the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas. Her platform was "Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures." She continues to carry out her passion for healthy lifestyle. Gates not only served as leader of today's "Walk to School" event, but she did it wearing a walk cast boot. Over the Labor Day weekend, she suffered a jet ski injury. But that didn't stop her from being involved in an important event at her elementary school alma mater. 

 

"As a former student of Simpson Elementary, I was so excited to have been asked to participate," she said. "'Walk to School Day' is a great way to promote physical activity and community involvement. It was such a fun morning!"

 

Students are meeting Wednesday mornings throughout October at Bridgeport Church of Christ on the corner of Philadelphia Avenue and Center Street. Upon check-in, participation passports are stamped and students gather in grades to make the one-block trek to Simpson Elementary School. The walkers leave the church at 7:35 a.m. sharp. 

 

Simpson Elementary PTA invites all Simpson students to participate during the next two Wednesdays. Leading next week's procession will be 2014 Bridgeport High School Homecoming Queen Hannah Fetty. Another special guest is lined up for the final Wednesday in October. 

 

See more photos of today's Walk to School event at the gallery link below. 

 

 

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Simpson Elementary Walk to School 2014 - Week 2