DRESSED IN A LARGER-than-life inflatable turkey costume from the chest down, eighth-grader Parker Halliday, 14, led a gaggle of mini turkeys behind him — from TK up to third grade — as the confetti cannon signaled the start.
PARKER HALLIDAY, 14, LEFT, WALKS A FINAL LAP WITH YOUNGER STUDENTS DURING ST. ANGELA MERICI PARISH SCHOOL’S TURKEY TROT IN BREA. PHOTO BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
With the sky threatening to open, the little turkeys in twin bright orange T-shirts took off running with lots of cheers as “Who Let the Dogs Out” blasted. “We are going to run together, cheer for our friends and most importantly, have a fantastic time,” said Annabelle Acosta, 14, student council president. “So lace up your sneakers and get your running legs ready. Let’s get excited for the Turkey Trot!”
St. Angela Merici Parish School in Brea held its first Turkey Trot on Nov. 20. The fundraiser jog-a-thon was raising money for the school’s general fund. Every single student on campus participated, said Principal JoAnn Telles.
St. Angela’s has hosted jog-a-thons in the past, but they wanted to make it more exciting by giving it a turkey theme — with an extra focus on all they have to be grateful for, Telles said.
“We thought this would be a great way to send the kids off for Thanksgiving and have a fun event before they go,” Telles said.
“We’re so blessed. The blessings we have at this school — we’re so grateful.”
Parents came out to cheer on their children, giving a high five or waving a sign as the older students made sure to support the littles. Eighth graders lined the track, waving red and white pom poms and giving encouragement as students rounded the bend.
Acosta, who is in eighth grade, said the event is a fun way to be active with your friends, and it’s encouraging to have the audience cheering. Along with classmates, Acosta lined the track, waved pompoms and gave high- fives as the younger students were running their first loop.
“I hope they just feel great; they feel more positive about themselves and feel like they can do anything,” Acosta said of her peers. “This is a great way to build a good mentality. You’re with friends, you’re having fun. I think it’s great.”
For third-grader Adaline Bastida Tammen, the sprinkling rain coming down off and on only added to the joy.
“It was fun and tiring,” the 9-year-old said. “I ran and then I got tired, so I walked. Then I started running again because of the music.”
The rain picked up during the fourth through eighth graders’ turn, but that didn’t deter them. Taking his second turn leading the Turkey Trot, this time for his older peers, Halliday ran around again for his own shot at the event.
He said he dressed up in the inflatable turkey to make his younger peers more enthusiastic and increase school spirit. Halliday said he hopes all his schoolmates take away good memories from the Turkey Trot.
“There was a lot of energy,” Halliday said, slightly out of breath. “But I’m so tired. It’s hard to run in this blowup!”