Annual Hawk Run: A Community Event for 18 Years!
October 2023
Newsletter
Congratulations, Miguel! Congratulations to Miguel Sauceda ‘24 for being a 2023 Outstanding Student Leader of St. Louis County. Miguel was nominated for this award for being a good citizen, maintaining high personal standards and being active in school clubs. On October 17, 2023, Miguel participated in a leadership conference and luncheon at Washington University, followed by a recognition ceremony at the St. Louis County Government Center in Clayton. Congratulations again, Miguel!
This year’s 18th Annual Hawk Run was a true celebration of fitness and perseverance. Led by Coach Mike Menley, this event has been inspiring 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to prioritize their physical and mental health since 2005! Coach Menley’s inclusive event has a place for everyone, “I always encourage teachers and parents to join in and jog or walk with their students. I encourage all students to participate in any way they feel comfortable.” The Hawk Run is more than just a race; it’s a reminder that we can achieve any goal we set for ourselves with the right mindset and determination. The top 10 finishers in each race receive a medal, but every participant is a winner in their own right and receives a Hawk Run ribbon bearing the words “I am a winner.” When asked why fitness is so important, Coach Menley stated, “There are so many ways to exercise: walking, running, dancing, swimming, bike riding, etc. The Hawk Run is just one way to do that, and it reminds us that we need to keep our minds and bodies healthy through exercise.” We congratulate all the Hawks for their hard work and determination in making the 18th Annual Hawk Run a huge success. Your efforts have shown us that we can all reach new heights with dedication and perseverance.
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Stories with Students Reading Day: Bound to be a Success. Our first Stories with Students Reading Day at Valley Park Elementary was a huge success! Students could invite a family member or friend to join them to read. More than 130 special guests joined us and spent time with their students reading together. The benefits of reading to children are imperative for their language and literacy skills. Books provide an excellent opportunity to talk, tell stories, and connect with your child. To see more photos from the day, visit our VPES Facebook page at www.facebook.com/valleyparkelem Thank you to all who joined us for this special event!
Three Valley Park High School Students Receive All District Choir Honors Students from all across Saint Louis County auditioned on October 7th at Parkway South High School to qualify for the Saint Louis Suburban Missouri Music Educators Association District 5 Honor Choir. For the auditions, students performed a prepared solo from the required music list as well as sight-reading a musical excerpt. Students with qualifying scores were selected for All District Choir which will rehearse and perform at Pattonville High School on Saturday, November 4th. Congratulations to our talented Valley Park musicians, Adalee Price ‘24, Isabel Beeker ’25 and Jermisha Lewis ‘26!
Adalee Price ‘24
Isabel Beeker ’25
Jermisha Lewis ‘26