County School officials said a $3 gift from a child launched a successful $25,000 fund drive for a new track at North Hamilton County Elementary School.
The grand opening/ribbon cutting for the school’s new walking track will be held next Tuesday at 2:45 p.m.
The track was finished in time for families to use over the holidays.
Officials said, "The track was built to help students learn the value of good health and exercise and to invite their family to walk and exercise with them after school and weekends.
"The school was in competition with other local schools for a track earlier this year but just missed winning the new track.
The school was devastated to have missed out on winning the track.
"The staff and students talked about never giving up and working to make their dreams come true. The day after the announcement that the school did not win the competition, a child came into the office and donated $3 of his money to start fundraising toward the $25,000 needed to build the track. The next day he brought in $5 more.
"This child inspired the school to start a fundraising effort to make their walking track dreams come true. Hamilton County School Coordinated Health supported the effort with a $10,000 donation. The community, children, parents, and staff worked to raise the remainder of the funds needed."