Rockenbaugh Elementary Celebrates New Jogging Path

Students at Rockenbaugh Elementary are on the path to fitness thanks to a new paved jogging path recently installed on campus.

“Students are playing all over it, drawing with sidewalk chalk, skipping, racing, walking, jumping rope, etc.” says Tricia Pate, Rockenbaugh Elementary School physical education teacher. “What they don’t realize is that they are exercising more which is exactly what we envisioned.”

She says the quarter-mile path has expanded the physical activity options for students and many others.

“Staff members and people within the community are also taking advantage of it,” she says. “I see people running and riding their bikes on the path almost every afternoon.”

Funded by the Rockenbaugh PTO, the path was formally dedicated on Saturday, April 28 and named in honor of Principal Karen White, who is retiring at the end of the school year.  Theresa Wright, PTO president and Alec Knight, president of the Rocken Dads’ Club, presented White with the honor.

“We would like to recognize her: lifelong dedication to elementary education, for believing in our children, for guiding them through example, for inspiring them with passion, and for creating a culture committed to lifetime learning,” reads the sign marking the path.

“Dedicating the track to Karen White makes it even more special,” adds Pate. “Reminding us to keep on the right path.”