Back in October `09, we stumbled across the STA Walkathon (see our coverage here) -- this time, we knew it was coming and it was a much nicer day.  Back in `09 it was cold and rainy, but this year the kids of St. Thomas the Apostle were blessed with a beautiful day.

The Walkathon began early in the morning, outside the Rectory -- above, Father Frank Tumino puts out the American flag in preparation of the pre-walk blessing.

We were joined by the Auxiliary Police Officers, who marched the entire route and helped keep our kids safe.  Above right, Father Tumino talks to those who are gathering, getting ready for the blessing.

The kids, the teachers, the parents -- they all respond very well to Father Tumino.  He remarked what a beautiful day it was -- and it really was.  Particularly in the sun.

By 9:45, the students were ready to march on Woodhaven -- many of them had signs, and many of the parents were taking pictures and video.

There were lots of smiles as the march got underway.  Principal Quinn (right) led the marchers down 88th Street towards Jamaica Avenue.

The marchers made their way down Jamaica Avenue to Forest Parkway -- and there, they crossed the street and made their way back -- chanting their school's name the entire way.  We waited for them at the corner of 89th Street -- here they come!

Here is our video report from the 2011 STA Walkathon --

As you can see in the video, the kids made a lot of noise -- good for them!  It was fun to see such enthusiasm.

The march on the avenue nearly complete, the marchers prepared to walk up 91st Street to Park Lane South --

-- so we hopped in our car and beat them to it :-)  The area between the tennis courts and Baby Carriage Lane was marked as their final destination. 

They made it and there, they let the kid play in the park -- it was great watching them run and play in the grass.  As we said earlier, it was a nice day -- a bit chilly in the park, but a great day to be running in the grass.

The kids stopped playing long enough to pose for a few pictures --

For the next 45 minutes, the kids played, the parents and teachers mingled -- it was a lovely morning -- 

 

If you have any comments, or would like to suggest other projects, drop us a line at info@projectwoodhaven.com or projectwoodhaven@aol.com 

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Photos by Joey Wendell