Seneca Turkey Trots For a Cause

held its fifth annual Turkey Trot this week. It was a one mile run run in which all students were invited to participate. The runners were sponsored by family and friends.  All money raised went toward the "Seneca Cares" fund which gives help to local families in need, especially during the holiday season.

Students had the option of running competitively or walking while socializing, so it was something that everyone could enjoy at their own pace.

The top winners of the one mile race received trophies and all students were given a ribbon and certificate for their participation.

"They bring canned goods, do pledge sheets, and a lot of the teachers do running and trotting too," said Ramona Bisono, the head of the Physical-Education Department at Seneca. 

About 300 students took part in the event, and were unfazed by the harsh wind.

Donna Watson, the mother of a sixth grader racing for the first time said, "I can't believe she's running a mile for fun and a good cause; that's why I'm here — I'm impressed."

Members of the staff, not in the trot, stood by cheering and clapping, encouraging the kids the whole way.  

"They're awesome.  I'm so proud of them," said Miss Punzi, a sixth grade science teacher. "My poor hands are stinging."  But, that didn't deter her from continuing to applaud enthusiastically until the final student crossed the finish line.

The winners included:  In First Place Overall, eighth grader, John Onken with an impressive time of 5:46; the Second Place eighth grade boy was Patrick Lavan and Third Place was Tyler Murrell.  The First Place eighth grade girl was Rachel Heymach, and Third Place was Caitlin Burke.

The First Place seventh grade boy was Dylan Rhatigan and Second Place was Jared Nelson.  The First Place seventh grade girl was Samantha Giambrone, Second Place was Nicole O'Donnell and Third Place was Emily Lin.

The First Place sixth grade boy was Kevin Churns, Second Place was Marcus Martinez and Third Place was Richard Breier.  The First Place sixth grade girl was Maria Neuman, Second Place was Emily Walsa and Third Place was Kaitlin Goodman.

Seneca Hosts Empty Bowl Dinner, Too

The second event held that day was Seneca's fourth annual Empty Bowl Dinner which took place in the cafeteria. Last year's dinner raised a whopping $2,300 for "Seneca Cares" from selling tickets to the event, and selling the students' colorful and unique ceramic bowls made in art class, as well as raffle tickets.  This year may have even surpassed last year's success with great raffle prizes featured such as a brand new bike, Starbucks gift basket and remote control car.

The Empty Bowl Dinner is a fun family affair that offers a wide variety of savory homemade soups.  The National Junior Honor Society donated paper goods for the dinner, and the entire faculty and staff came through once again by contributing big, steaming pots of soup, delectable deserts, drinks, freshly baked bread and table cloths.

"It's a great fundraiser," said principal Gemma Salvia. "It's nice for people to spend time with their family and ours.  It works so well."