By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

ALABASTER – Meadow View Elementary School P.E. teacher Carol Spain was impressed by students’ speed as they ran laps in the second annual MVES Warrior Run on March 9.

“I think I see some smoke coming from some of (your) feet your so fast,” Spain said into the microphone. “We are so proud of you.”

All MVES students – more than 900 – in pre-kindergarten through third grade participated in the run, which raises money for classroom needs.

Proceeds from this year’s run will help fund the construction of an outdoor classroom and a kiln for the art room, MVES Principal Rachea Simms said.

“Of course, we’re promoting physical activity, as well as character traits,” Simms said. “It’s days like today that they’ll remember.”

Anson Lamoreaux, a student in the Pre-K Stars class, said he had fun in the run. His classmates Walker Carroll, Lelle Riggins and Nicole Maples said they were “tired” afterward.

Robert Allen from the Pre-K Champs class excitedly called the run “awesome.”

“This was their first chance to be out there,” Pre-K Champs teacher Kim Gray said. “They did real well.”

If students meet their $20,000 fundraising goal, Simms will “sleep on the roof” of the school, she said. In addition, the top earner will get to pie Simms in the face on the news.

“It’s all fun,” Simms said, laughing.

Fundraising efforts started on March 1 with a pep rally kickoff. Students had pledge sheets and asked for donations from parents, family members and others in the community.

A student advisory council votes on where the money will be used each year, Simms said.

Students surpassed their $15,000 fundraising goal last year and were able to buy a piano for the music department.

“They feel empowered to be a part,” Simms said. “Any amount we would appreciate.”

Students’ parents were invited to watch the run and cheer the children to the finish line.

The run featured different themed laps with corresponding music, including a “superhero lap” and an “air guitar lap.”

PTO members, school staff and high school soccer team members helped with the event.

Students were awarded with popsicles after the run.

“It’s so much fun,” said K-third grade teacher Darbe Hooten, who has two children at MVES. “The kids look so forward to it.”