ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Catholic School celebrated its best-ever Jog-a-thon with its annual student body Spartan Run. If students and their families reach the established fundraising goal for the year, the entire student community gets to charge through a specially designed obstacle course of fun and excitement.
FR. DAMIEN GIAP, THE SCHOOL’S RECTOR, GETS INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE SPARTAN RUN. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL
But the event wouldn’t be complete without the school’s Spartacus-like priestly figure leading the way through towering climbs, tunnels of rain and rivers of mud.
“It’s based on the idea of the traditional Spartan Race,” said Fr. Damien Giap, the school’s rector, spiritual guide and sports challenge enthusiast. “The annual event is known for its challenging terrain of mud, water and exciting obstacles like climbing walls and water balloon fun zones. It’s all age-appropriate and the kids love it!”
FUNDS RAISED WILL BE USED TO HELP FINISH CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL’S NEW GYMNASIUM WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN SPRING OF 2026.
Having achieved their goal of $100,000, dedicated dads and moms transformed SJB’s field into a dynamic fun and safe obstacle course for all the community’s children. The funds will be used to help finish construction of the school’s new gymnasium which is scheduled to be completed in Spring of 2026.
“This event has become a school tradition,” said Principal Paula Viles. “It’s important to let the students and their families celebrate the exceptional victory of this year’s fundraising goal. Our families are working hard to bring the dream of our gymnasium to reality, but no one more so than our spiritual guide, Fr. Damien. When the Lord calls, he responds, whether it’s finding major donors or simply rolling in the mud. He truly is our campus hero.”