Principal’s princess-and-frog promise gives students a playful incentive as the 30th annual fundraiser nears its target
Hermosa Elementary School students have a $40,000 reason to keep collecting pledges for this year’s Spirit Run — and Principal Kaci Whitmire has given them an image to remember if they reach it.
If the school meets its fundraising goal, Whitmire will dress as a princess and kiss a frog, a challenge the class selected to energize the campaign. The promise puts Whitmire at the center of the 30th annual event while keeping the emphasis on what the money will provide for Hermosa’s roughly 300 first- through fifth-grade students.
Whitmire said the school had collected just under $32,000 as contributions continued through Oct. 16. Students earned support through per-lap pledges or flat donations and walked or ran laps around the school track on October 9.
A fundraiser students can see
For Whitmire, the Spirit Run’s value is clear because its proceeds return directly to students. Hermosa uses the money for school supplies and provides each child with short- and long-sleeved T-shirts. Funds also support holiday activities, reading incentives and transportation for student rewards.
Hermosa Elementary principal Kaci Whitmire encourages Nori Davis on the Spirit Run on Friday, October 9.
“I am proud that we ensure the kids can benefit from the money,” Whitmire said. “School supplies are where I think parents see the biggest impact of where that fundraising goes.”
Parent-teacher organization representative Amanda Sell, the Spirit Run chairperson, tracks donations, manages spreadsheets and makes sure students receive the correct prizes. She said the PTO also plans special treats throughout the year, including holiday activities designed to make children feel recognized.
“Every holiday we try to do something to make the kids feel special,” Sell said. “The money that we raise will benefit the kids in that way this school year.”
Thirty years of running for Hermosa
The Spirit Run began in 1996 under then-Principal Crit Caton as an alternative to Hermosa’s labor-intensive Family Fun Night. After using an outside fundraising company the first year, the school and PTO took over the event so more of the proceeds could remain at Hermosa. What started as a practical fundraising change became a long-running school tradition.
Whitmire, who became Hermosa’s principal during the 2021 school year, said she and Sell begin planning prizes early. For the anniversary, they chose throwback items associated with the 1990s, including Magna Doodles, Koosh balls, Slinkys, Magic 8 Balls, lava lamps and slap bracelets. The top 25 fundraisers are set to visit a Roswell skating rink and take part in bowling and other activities.
Community support, one lap at a time
The event also brings local groups onto the track. Whitmire said firefighters, police officers, church members and Artesia High School cross-country runners encourage students, count laps, and help create the atmosphere around the run. Sell said donations have arrived from as far away as West Virginia, Ohio and Florida through cash, checks and digital payment services.
“I think it is awesome to see the community come together,” Whitmire said.
Now, with the deadline approaching and the school about $8,000 short of its target at the latest count, Whitmire’s costume challenge gives students a final incentive. The larger payoff, she said, will be keeping the money at Hermosa and turning every completed lap into supplies, experiences and celebrations for students.
JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061 or on X at @JTKEITH1.