HOLTVILLE — For the past four years, Jackie Vargas and her two daughters have participated in the city’s annual walk-to-school event.
This year, nearly 100 students and parents joined Vargas and her daughters early Wednesday in the walk from Samaha Field tennis courts to Finley Elementary School.
“I think this is a great event for the whole community,” Vargas said. “It influences the kids in a positive way and gets them to exercise.”
The walkers were led by the horse patrol unit of the Border Patrol, which was of particular interest to Abby Garewal and a majority of her schoolmates.
“I was more excited to come today because I knew the horses were going to be here,” Abby, a fourth-grader at Finley, said. “I hope we can pet them later.”
Fellow community member Natalie Daniels was also excited to participate in the event.
“This community has a great support system,” she said. “They are promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness in the whole community with this event.”
After walkers made their way into the school, members of the local fire department were on hand to distribute snacks and water.
“This is all part of the national walk-to-school day,” said City Manager Alexander Meyerhoff. “It is to promote health benefits. We are very pleased with (Wednesday’s) turnout.”
The city and the Imperial County Health Department worked together to put on the event for a grant application.
“We’re putting together an application for a safe route to school grants,” Meyerhoff said. “We’re glad more and more people kept coming throughout the week.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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