Berlin Elementary presents a fairy tale race for the ages

While the Kentucky Derby may have went to the wire on May 4, it nearly paled in comparison to the race that took place on the grounds of Berlin Elementary on Thursday, May 23.

Nearly two dozen participants lined up at the starting gate for one epic race that featured dinosaurs, dogs, a princess, a duck, a Martian and one giant blue thing that stole the show.

The inaugural Berlin Elementary year-end running of the blow-up creatures sent a festive shockwave through the school grounds, where the entire student body created a gauntlet of screaming kids rooting for their favorite staff member to emerge victorious.

Amanda Alarcon, the school’s librarian, opted for a princess/ballerina outfit designed by Armani — or maybe not — and she said simply trying to pick out a costume the kids would enjoy was invigorating.

“This was the greatest,” Alarcon said. “It was so fun just deciding what costume to choose that the kids would love, and everyone loves a ballerina princess.”

Not only was it fun for the kids, but also Alarcon said the event only helps the staff grow closer together.

“We’re such a big family here at Berlin,” Alarcon said. “We’re such good friends, and everyone works together, and we have fun together. The feeling here at Berlin is like no other.”

She said rumors ran rampant throughout the approaching days prior to the race as teachers and students were eager to learn what characters might make an appearance.

Katie Stockwell, intervention specialist, said the experience was a fun way to wrap up the school year.

“This is something these kids will remember forever, and I doubt any of us will soon forget it either,” Stockwell said. “I think most of us were just happy to make it through to the end without hurting ourselves. My biggest goal was not to fall.”

Then there was Big Blue, the enormous blue thing that roared to the front and stormed to victory.

That was none other than title teacher Blaine Hoxworth, who thrilled the kids and urged them to cheer even louder as he passed on to victory.

“I was hoping nobody was going to catch me from behind,” Hoxworth said. “Everyone had a blast, and the kids were cheering so loud. It was really fun to be a good role model and make some fun memories at school.”

Berlin Elementary Principal Darren Blochlinger said several teachers had seen something similar on Facebook and wanted to bring the excitement to the school during its closing moments.

Blochlinger sent out a school-wide letter, and more than 20 teachers responded, eager to join in the running of the air costume event.

He said creating something for the kids to enjoy was meant to cap off a fantastic year of school, and he said whether they were cheering or booing, it was all about having fun.

“Not only was this a chance for the kids to cheer and laugh, it was a chance for them to see us as a staff in a little different light,” Blochlinger said. “They can see the human side of the staff. They’re out here playing and running around with our staff, and it builds relationships throughout the school.”

The students may have been excited to get their summer vacation underway, but for one glorious moment prior to enjoying that, they were treated to a special run that certainly created memories for years to come.

The event turned out so well that the teachers were already talking about what they might don next year as they make a dash for the finish line in what should become an annual year-end event.