A group of students at Pana Junior High School can now say they have run a 5K.  They completed the run on Wednesday as a culmination of an elective course.  The primary goal for students was to complete the run but also to learn running techniques and improve their nutrition, sleeping habits, and softer skills like endurance and perseverance.

Ashley Keeling, a science teacher at PJHS, teaches the course.  She says the course transforms students who start out lacking belief in their ability to run a 5K into ones who go on to do exactly that. 

The elective class was first offered 15 years ago.  Keeling has taken the reins in teaching it since then. 

The race finishes on the running track at the football stadium.  Elementary school students along with parents and other community members are set up either at the stadium or at other points on the route to cheer on the runners. 

Keeling says the community support helps the runners but also helps initiatives like this continue to operate. 

More information on Pana Junior High School is available at www.panaschools.com.

Ashley Keeling appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.