Walk to School Day big hit with kids, parents

Never has it been cooler to walk to school than Wednesday morning.

And if you had any doubt, fifth-graders Lyndsey Haag and Kelsey Heitzman would like to set you straight.

"All the cool kids are walking today," Lyndsey said. "Just like us," Kelsey chimed in.

The two were among the hundreds of Patterson Elementary School students and parents who gathered a half-mile away in Naperville's Ashbury subdivision to participate in International Walk to School Day.

This year's event, celebrated throughout much of the area, promoted exercise, care for the environment and finding safe routes to school.

"It's so wonderful to have all of these children walking and riding their bikes," said Jeanie Long, who walked with parents while her second-grade son, Alex, strolled ahead. "We're very lucky that many children in this community are able to walk or ride their bikes because we're pretty close here."

Patterson students received flying discs from the city of Naperville and were greeted Wednesday by Patterson mascot Prairie Dog Pete and city and fire officials who brought a fire truck and police rescue vehicle to the gathering.

Indian Prairie Unit District 204 Superintendent Kathy Birkett also joined the walkers, leading their march down Lawrence Drive to Patterson.

"Clearly, by the turnout and how cold it is, this is a great family event that everyone looks forward to every year," Birkett said. "And aside from being a fun event, we'd like to think it's promoting some healthy habits in our young people."

Second-grader Taylor O'Malley already was inspired.

"I walk sometimes but I'd like to walk more," said Taylor, who was carrying a poster she made in art class to promote the event. "Maybe when I get a little older I can walk more."

Other students in DuPage celebrated Walk to School Day by participating in a variety of events including walking to school, hosting parades and walking laps around their schools.