Kindergartners through fifth graders at Holmes Elementary made it their project to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project by literally walking the walk. The students pledged to walk laps around the school and got sponsors to go the distance.
"They did the research, the advisors got the ball rolling and we went ahead with it," said Tricia Putnam, principal at Holmes Elementary.
Friday was party day. To celebrate their successful fundraising, the entire school was given a police escort and followed the patriotic sounds of the marching band from Pulaski Middle School. The Holmes students walked to nearby A.W. Stanley Park, where they had a picnic lunch and had the opportunity to see the opening of the new "Go Ape" Adventure Park, which features five zip lines.
As the students cheered, Putnam took to the tree tops, zipping across a lake and gliding to a stop in front of the student body.
"It was a great ride," Putnam said, "I could see all the kids cheering me on."
Also zipping down the line was New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart, who cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the adventure park.
As for the students, they were happy to lend their support to a cause like the Wounded Warrior Project.
"It's a great honor to be able to give back to the warriors who fought for us," fifth-grader Abby Roy said.
"I'm so proud that we actually accomplished this and I want to thank all the wounded warriors," fifth-grader Alice Bidoad said .
The students netted $2,818 for the Wounded Warrior Project.