Town News

Frisco Turkey Day 5k Raises $6,395 For Frisco Elementary’s S.T.E.M. Program

The Town of Frisco’s 9th Annual Frisco Turkey Day 5k, presented by The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute on Thanksgiving Day, raised over $6,000 for Frisco Elementary’ s S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program. This event drew just under 1,300 runners and walkers of all ages, accompanied by dogs and kids in strollers, on a chilly morning on Thursday, November 24.

The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) are honored again to partner with the Town of Frisco. This fun 5K is exemplary of the kinds of events we want to be a part of. As an orthopaedic clinic and scientific research institute, The Steadman Clinic and SPRI are thrilled that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for Frisco’s elementary school students is supported by the proceeds of this event,” stated Emily Lepore, Events & Sponsorships Coordinator at the Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

The fun run, which made its way on through Frisco and County side streets, as well as the Summit County Recreation Path, was also made possible through participation and partnership of community volunteers including the Frisco Elementary Parent Teacher and Student Association (PTSA).

At registration, all the kids were running around helping- they feel like it’s their event, and they understand that all their hard work is going to bring money into their school,” stated Frisco Elementary PTSA president, Kelly Lymon. 

The $6,395 check was presented to Frisco Elementary staff and students on December 12, 2022 by the Town of Frisco, and the money will go to directly towards new experiential programs.

“Experiential learning serves all kids, it has no barrier, and it really does speak to equity, which our district is really working on.,” stated Todd Kirkendall, Frisco Elementary School principal.

As one of the STEM experiences, Frisco Elementary’s fifth graders are looking forward to a hut trip to Francie’s Cabin this winter, where they will snowshoe two miles in and stay overnight before snowshoeing the two miles back.

How many elementary schools in the United States get to do that sort of thing? We are just very lucky, and I’m thankful that I’m representing my friends and community members in order to offer this kind of support to our school system,” stated Frisco councilmember, Andy Held.