Foothill Elementary 3K Run

May 22nd was the annual Foothill Elementary 3K. The moment I stepped out of my car I was greeted by a sea of hot pink - the kids. I LOVED getting to know them. They were all so friendly and outgoing and - despite the colder weather - they were optimistic about the run and couldn't wait to get started! 

It felt like a mini-yearbook day because all the kids were signing each other's shirts and some even asked me to sign theirs. It was cute when boys asked me to sign their shirts - they were very and tentative about it because they wanted to maintain their manliness :). 

Talking to the kids one-on-one was my favorite part of this event. We talked about their favorite colors, their excitement for school to end, and how they felt about running the race. There was this one little girl who was very excited when she noticed my crown and said, "I've never seen a real crown before!" She was so thrilled to touch it and then asked me where she could get one herself. I really wish I could have given each girl a crown. Their inner beauty just made them glow and it was certainly my privilege to interact with them and witness that.

For the race, Daisy and I ran with the first graders and kindergarteners while Jackie and Abby ran with the kids from the other age levels. We had a lot of fun encouraging the kids to keep going as they ran. At one point, I told some of the girls to keep going and show the boys what they were made of and one boy heard. He immediately darted off like a bullet to show me just how fast he could be. I tried to keep up with him for a little bit, but he was too quick!

After we finished running, we all stood at the finish line to cheer on those who were still finishing the race. So many of the runners were extremely determined throughout the duration of the course and finished strong, especially with the crowd's encouragement. It was really great to see the community come together to support one another in this event. 

After the run, the royalty and I participated with the kids in a dance party to "Shut up and Dance With Me." It was fun to show them that even though we might wear crowns and sashes, we like to have fun and party just as much as they do. We jumped up and down, discoed, chicken danced, shuffled, and  performed every other dance move in between. We also participated a little in the water fight several kids were having. One girl was courteous enough to ask if she could spray me, so I agreed that she could so long as she got me on the back. It was totally worth it!

The royalty and I then had the opportunity to distribute the awards to the winners of the different age levels. We were lucky enough to get a picture with the sixth grade boy winners. Aren't they adorable?

I am enjoying my reign more and more with every opportunity I am presented with! This event has definitely been my favorite so far!  Through this event I realized just how much of an impact a person can have on a child - crown or not. They look at us grownups as role models whether we realize it or not. The way we behave, speak, carry ourselves, act, and treat others displays our character which children take note of. That is why it is imperative that we display the best version of ourselves at all times because as children begin to construct their identities and self-esteems, they will draw from the best examples they know.

One more note - for the rest of my blog posts I want to conclude with something that I'm grateful for, and I invite you to do the same through finding something to be grateful for each day. I know from personal experience that an attitude of gratitude truly does create miracles!

To start off, I am grateful for music. I'm so thankful to have the ability to play instruments, sing, read music, and enjoy the benefits of listening to music. A song like "Shake it Off," or perfect vibrato while playing the violin, can change my mood from one of aggravation to appreciation.

Much Love,

Jesse Craig

Miss Orem 2015