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Last year's February Freeze

POMFRET — Calling all runners and walkers! Pomfret Community School (PCS) is holding its 5th Annual February Freeze 5K Run/Walk event Feb. 2. (snow date Feb 3). This is the largest fund-raiser for the eighth grade class as they earn money for their spring trip to Washington, D.C.
The eighth grade trip to Washington is a tradition that started more than 40 years ago — the first trip was in 1976 — in honor of our country’s bicentennial celebration. Since then countless PCS students have visited the Capitol, museums and National Monuments that make Washington, D.C. so unique. For many, it serves as a rite of passage as it is often the first time they have travelled without their parents.
Michael Galligan, assistant principal at Pomfret Community School, has been organizing the trip for the past 17 years. Galligan said; “The Washington D.C. trip is such an important learning experience for all Pomfret children in eighth grade. I have been going on the trip for 17 years and each year it is still memorable. It takes a village to make sure we offer this opportunity to the children in Pomfret.”
The idea for the February Freeze was conceived five years ago by Pomfret residents, Monique Wolanin and Kathleen Johnson.  Both runners themselves, they saw the potential of getting the community together for a fun, healthy event — which at the same time could raise money for all Pomfret Community School eighth graders. The first year the event was organized in just three weeks. Since then, the event has grown, attracting more runners, sponsors and spectators. This year they anticipate welcoming approximately 200 people to the event.
New for this year, there will be a shorter Fun Run for children from preschool- fourth grade for whom the 5K distance is still a little too far.
Pomfret School has been the scenic location of the race since its inaugural year. The course consists of three loops and winds through the beautiful campus - past brick buildings and along the quad with a downhill finish to the lodge. Groups of eighth grade students are found cheering on every corner, at the top of the hill and  along the course. Finishers are rewarded for their effort with hot chocolate and refreshments by the warm fire in Parsons Lodge.
This year’s race sponsors, so far, include: Pomfret School, Simply Orthodontics and VMware through a grant fulfilled by Dan Plouffe, DCR Trucking, Day Kimball Hospital, Law Office of Jamie Davis Aleman, Vanilla Bean Cafe, Chaput Electric. Lots of other individuals and businesses have “tee signs” with encouraging messages dotting the course.
For information on taking part in the race ($30 per person) or becoming a sponsor, go to:
www.pomfretcommunityschool.org/februaryfreeze