Otter Run raises $50,000 for Oak Knoll School Otter Run raises $50,000 for Oak Knoll School (June 16, 2004)

Oak Knoll School's 10th annual Otter Run scored a perfect 10, with more than 1,000 running and walking the 1.5 mile and 5K course along the oak-shaded neighborhood streets in Menlo Park on a picture-perfect morning June 6.

The fun run raised nearly $50,000 for the K-5 school to be used primarily to support the school's science lab. Funds will purchase hands-on science kits and other supplies to help students learn more about electricity, chemistry, the human body, astronomy and other subjects.

"This run is one of my favorite events of the year," said Susan Young, PTA president. "It incorporates three very important aspects of our PTA charter -- building community spirit, emphasizing the importance of exercise, and raising funds for our school."

Oak Knoll students -- past, present and future -- made up the majority of the runners. Every child received a ribbon upon crossing the finish line.

The overall top finishers were Mauricio Maia of Fremont and Katie Ferguson, an Oak Knoll mom. Complete race results are available on the Oak Knoll Web site: www.oakknollschool.com. Click on the calendar for the link.

Of the more than 500 children who ran the 5K race, several Oak Knoll students were top finishers in their age category. They were: Annie Albright, first, and Ani Ghazarossian, third, girls age 7-8; Brian Kelley, first, Eric Levenson, second, and Chris Hinrichs, third, boys 7-8; Lindsay Keare, second, Kimberly Felt, third, girls 9-11; Kyle Scherba, first, and Tucker Albright, third, boys 9-11.

Oak Knoll teacher Barbara Morse, who has run in the event every years, brought 12 family members and relatives to join in the fun.

Kathy Oppenheimer, Jodi Scherba and Carol Shelton were co-chairs of this year's Otter Run, sponsored by the school's PTA.

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