Driving down Highway 19 at 7:15 am on Wednesday, May 7th, there was a sight to see. A large group of students were gathered in the city parking lot, waiting to begin their walk to school. Parents were welcome to participate in the walking, or they could drop off their child. The walk was supervised by volunteers and Cannon Falls school staff members. 

There were a variety of ages that participated in the walking. Some of the kids were only in kindergarten, while others were in sixth grade. The fifth grade patrol captains helped make sure everyone crossed the street safely. The group of walkers were led by elementary Physical Education teachers Kathy Illa and Joel Rustad. 

In past years, some children would ride bikes, scooter, or rollerblade. This year, it was strongly encouraged that no one used wheels, but just use their feet to minimize chaos. “Last year I rollerbladed to school, but this year I chose to walk,” sixth grader Kason Lindahl comments.

During the walk, everyone moved at different paces. Some of the children arrived at school even ten minutes earlier than others. The organizers of the walk knew just the right time to start walking, so no one was late. Even the people in the back of the group got to school on time. 

Some families walked together. There were even some children who came along who were not enrolled in school yet. “It was a great turnout of both students and their parents. It was a beautiful morning for a walk. Everyone seemed to be in a chipper, happy mood. It was kinda fun because we had about five fifth-grade patrol members who helped us at crosswalks and intersections,” said Kathy Illa.

Walk to school day tries to teach kids good, healthy habits. It provides an easy way for kids to get their steps in each day. For kids who would like to walk, but live too far away, it gives them a chance to do so. Some kids would possibly like to have the walk to school day happen more frequently, while others like having it happen only once a year because it makes it more special and exciting.  “Walking to school I do every year, because it is awesome. Every year I get donuts and walk with friends, and it is always super fun.” says sixth grader Isla Harrison. “I want to keep walking to school on that special day, every year!”