PHOTOS: Students take annual trek to new Enota building for National Walk to School Day

Several hundred students and their families took part in Walk to School Day Wednesday as they walked to Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy

Walk to School Chairman Alison Toller said it's more than an annual tradition, it's a national day.

"We just promote healthy lifestyles by walking to school in two groups, we meet up at the corner and all walk in together," said Toller. "It gets people thinking how they can be healthier, walk to school more often, bike to school, things like that."

Students of all grades were represented at this year's walk, from first to fifth graders.

"You get to walk with your friends!" said first grader Harrison. "I chose to walk to school because its a tradition," said Patrick, first grade. Harrison, Emmett, Patrick, Issac, J.R. and Caroline were excited to walk to school with their friends and were enjoying their school year as first graders so far.

"This is our last year," said Caroline, a fifth grader. "We'll do it next year," said Lily Grace, also a fifth grader. "All of us have siblings so we'll do it next year." Fifth graders Reagan, Mae, Molly, Lily Grace, Caroline, Caroline and Claire all agreed they enjoyed the tradition enough they'd come back and support their younger siblings next year.

Older siblings weren't the only ones joining the merry crew Wednesday morning. Parents, pets, and even school board members and the superintendent joined in as Gainesville Police and Gainesville Fire escorted the two groups from the Junior League Lodge and Green's Grocery. They met in the middle at the intersection of Enota Avenue and Riverside Drive. 

When they arrived at the new school on South Enota Drive, students who walked were treated to breakfast in the cafeteria before heading off to class.

Several students made signs to carry while walking

Some kids were so excited they took off running!

Police sandwiched the walkers as they made their way from the start locations to school.

Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Williams walked alongside his daughter, Molly.

As the walk comes to an end, the recognition does not. Students were welcomed to school with a breakfast.

There were two start points that merged at an intersection blocked by the fire department.

Parents snap pictures of their kids and their friends while waiting to start the walk.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/10/719724/photos-students-take-annual-trek-to-new-enota-building-for-national-walk-to-school-day