Turkey Trots Bring Movement, Creativity and Community to Edgemont’s Elementary Schools

“I like running with my friends,” said Seely Place Elementary sixth grader Nyah Rathee as she pinned the last corner of her handmade hat into place. “It’s fun to see everyone having a great time together.”

That sentiment carried through a morning at both Greenville Elementary and Seely Place Elementary Schools, shaped by shared movement and the anticipation of the Thanksgiving break. The Turkey Trot, an untimed run and community jog designed to get every student moving, has become a signature part of the district’s holiday week.

The annual Turkey Trots, held just before students headed home for the long Thanksgiving weekend, unfolded with a sense of purpose that went beyond laps around a field. Even under cloudy skies, the energy felt unmistakably warm, with students gathering in small clusters, some comparing the race bibs they had decorated, others holding posters their classes had created, ready to take part in a tradition that has become part of Edgemont’s seasonal rhythm. The event also ties into ongoing STEAM learning, giving students opportunities to connect physical activity with design, collaboration and creative problem-solving.

At Greenville Elementary, the event opened with the familiar sound of teachers calling out grade levels, inviting each group to the starting line in turn. Tall, brightly colored cones marked the cheering sections, breaking the field into small pockets of students ready to support one another. Kindergartners and first graders began with a single lap, second graders followed with two and third through sixth graders completed three laps. The structure gave every age group its moment while reinforcing the sense of a school moving together, both literally and figuratively.

“We try to find any way possible to incorporate movement, celebration and community,” said Greenville Elementary Principal Marisa Ferrara. “It’s a meaningful day of belonging and gratitude.”

Greenville’s physical education team echoed that intention.

“We really wanted something the whole school could do together,” said Greenville Elementary Physical Education teacher Katie O’Neill. “It’s rare to have all 500 kids out here at once. The trot gives younger students a chance to feel supported, and it gives the older grades an opportunity to lead.”

Students approached the run with a mix of nerves and excitement.

“We really like the part before we start running,” said fourth grader Elena Curanaj. “Everyone’s stretching, everyone’s cheering, and it just feels exciting.”

Her classmate, Giselle Gambino, added, “We all decorated our bibs with things we’re grateful for, so it felt like everyone brought something personal to the run.”

At Seely Place Elementary, the atmosphere was equally spirited but unfolded with a slightly different cadence. Rather than counting laps, students spent about 20 minutes moving together; running, walking or jogging at their own pace. Holiday music played across the field as students gathered with their posters and handmade hats. Many classes arrived carrying team names they had created, a longstanding part of Seely Place’s approach to the Turkey Trot. Local fire and police department members joined as well, with a few running the course alongside students and chatting with them as they made their way around the field.

Seely Place Principal Eve Feuerstein has watched the Turkey Trot evolve since it was introduced eight years ago.

“We started the trot as a way to bring the whole school together on Thanksgiving,” she said. “Outside of school, kids see signs for turkey trots but don’t always know what they are, so we thought it would be fun to make it our own tradition.”

Feuerstein added that student enthusiasm has shaped the event over time. “The posters and hats have turned into a competition for the most spirited classes,” she said. “The winners choose an outdoor activity, whether it’s kickball, Capture the Flag with the principal or another option they agree on. The kids take it seriously, in the best way.”

For the Greenville Elementary fifth graders and Seely Place sixth graders, the day carried extra significance. Many had spent weeks preparing balloon floats for their respective school parades, a STEAM-based project that culminates in a display immediately following the trot.

“We worked hard on our balloons,” said Seely Place sixth grader Brooke Garson. “It feels good to share something we created with the community.” She noted that this final trot of her elementary years brought back memories of earlier race, and older students seemed especially attentive to the younger grades enjoying the moment.

When both Trots came to a close, students filtered into their buildings in that familiar pre-break mix of chatter and motion, still carrying their hats, bibs or posters from the morning.

The two events took place on different fields and on different schedules, but they shared the same pace: classes gathering, students cheering for one another and each grade finding its moment out on the course. Even apart, Greenville Elementary and Seely Place felt connected through the way their mornings unfolded, shaped by students who showed up ready to run, support their classmates and take part in a tradition they now share.

To view the full event photo gallery, please click here.