Trailblazers Take On Run For Green

Team Trailblazers, comprised of Woodlawn School families, faculty, and staff, proudly participated in Davidson’s Run for Green on Saturday, September 16th. This annual event benefits the Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC), a local non-profit agency that aims to educate the public about eco-conservation and to advocate for the preservation of natural spaces in our community. Woodlawn’s curriculum aligns closely with the DLC’s efforts, as we teach our students environmental sustainability and model stewardship of our land and resources. Spencer Worley, a 7th grader who has run the race with his mother Dana for the past three years as a Trailblazer, enjoys participating because, “It’s a fun, healthy way to support the environment!” Dana adds, “[Run for Green] is the perfect match of a great cause, supporting land conservation, with the environmental awareness of our school.” The Woodlawn team had a record 31 participants this year, as well as parents and staff who volunteered at the race finish and cheered on all runners.

Fifth graders Amelia Amadio, Kate Taaffe, Piper Berini, and Saiya Patel race together weekly on Woodlawn’s middle school girls cross country team and have formed close friendships. They finished 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th respectively in the girls’ 10 and under division on Saturday, proudly wearing their Woodlawn jerseys. Reflecting on her experience running as a Woodlawn Trailblazer Saturday morning, Kate says her favorite part was “seeing so many people come together and encouraging each other.” Ava Smith, another middle school cross country runner, finished 2nd in her division, while Sajan Patel, who runs middle school boys cross country placed 3rd in his division.

For many participants, Run for Green was one of their first races. Nate Ward, a 3rd grader, partnered with 5th grader Jackson Rheinbolt on the course, saying he “enjoyed having someone to walk and talk with.” Baby Henry Swanson, son of musical theater director Meredith Swanson, was all smiles and sporting Woodlawn green as father Rob Swanson raced him in their jogger. Sayre Weir, Director of Development and Alumni Relations and middle school Spanish teacher shares that running is not typically “fun” for her, but “taking the streets with such an enthusiastic, energetic, and encouraging group of Trailblazers on Saturday morning made the Run for Green a blast.” Sayre, who is also a Woodlawn alum class of 2011, said that the camaraderie and support offered at the race by the “eclectic group of students, teachers, family, and friends emphasizes the unique sense of community that we have at Woodlawn.”

Race Accolades:

5K
Heather Ward: 1st place division (24:43)
Sajan Patel: 3rd place division (26:46)
Ava Smith: 2nd place division (27:12)
Amelia Amadio: 1st place division (30:05)
Kate Taaffe: 2nd place division (34:04)
Sarah Taaffe: 3rd place division (34:29)
Meredith Swanson: 3rd place division (34:35)
Spencer Worley (26:38)
Sayre Weir (29:47)
Stephanie Amadio (30:03)
Tracy Smith (30:08)
Nate Ward (31:07)
Joshua Rheinbolt (31:18)
Jackson Rheinbolt (31:19)
Dana Worley (31:38)
Erin Taaffe (34:03)
Paul Taaffe (34:31)
Rob Swanson (34:35)
Jackie Wildermuth (36:23)
Jodee Berini (38:25)
Leena Patel (38:25)
Piper Berini (39:19)
Saiya Patel (39:20)

10K
Lee Blakeley: 1st place division (47:25)
Kristen Wiesenmayer: 1st place division (48:51)
Nikki Howard: 2nd place division (52:46)

1/2 Marathon
Rob Berini: 2nd place division (1:35:14)
Beth Kendall (1:53:55)
George Ingraham (2:41:50)