Washingtonville Middle School hosts inaugural Pumpkin Run

Staff at Washingtonville Middle School zipped through the softball field and passed the boys modified soccer team as they cheered for their teachers during the inaugural WMS Pumpkin Run on Tuesday afternoon.

The event was hosted by the middle school physical education staff, complete with prizes for the top placements. Participants were able to choose between a 1200 meter run or an 800 meter walk. 

“I think these events are great for boosting morale and we had a nice day,” said Assistant Principal Steven Nyarady. “It was fun to see people come out and have a good time and unwind a little. 

“It’s good for mental health; we all work really long and really hard, so anytime we can get out and do things that are team building to really make those relationships more coherent is a win,” said Assistant Principal Ashira King-Wilson.

In total, there were 15 participants in the event. For the 1200 meter run, teacher Amanda Santos placed first with a time of 5:08, Assistant Principal Steven Nyarady came in a close second with a time of 5:09 and teacher Stephanie Duffy came in third with a time of 5:26.

For the 800 meter walk, Assistant Principal Ashira King-Wilson had a time of 4:59, teacher Mekenzi Moreau, nurse Maryke Troast and teacher Jamie White all placed second with a time of 6:39 and teacher Emma Maurer and teacher Tracy Vogt secured third with a time of 6:49. 

“Anything that the school puts on, I love to support it,” said Jill Siruchek, eighth grade technology teacher and volleyball coach at WMS. “I try to come to as many events as I can. I just signed up for a race in March, a half marathon, so I’m just getting back into running again and figured this would be a good starting point.”