SAN DIEGO -- Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, volunteered for an annual Jog-a-Thon at Morning Creek Elementary School in San Diego Feb. 6.
The Jog-a-Thon is an event where Marines and students participate in a “fun run” while listening to music.
MALS-16 has been involved with the “Partnerships in Education” program with the school for the past eight years.
“The kids are really enthusiastic right now,” said Cpl. Anthony Hilton, a Jog-a-Thon volunteer with MALS-16. “Seeing the Marines out here with them is helping them out a lot and giving them a lot of motivation.”
More than 20 Marines led approximately 800 preschool through fifth-graders in stretching exercises and the “Chicken Dance” before running laps around the playground.
“They’re so fast,” Hilton said. “Especially the little girls, they’re really fast.”
Amy Richardson, principal at Morning Creek Elementary School, said it’s an absolute joy to have the Marines come and raise the morale of the students.
“I think the Marines love doing this, they really connect with the kids here,” said Richardson. “They really seem to boost the confidence of those that may not have the support at home, which is another adult influence to look up to, a role model, a hero.”
Richardson and Hilton both said they enjoyed the event and look forward to it again in the future.