Pass Road Elementary hosts inaugural Color Run with Wounded Warrior Project to teach students about service and gratitude
GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — With Memorial Day approaching, students at Pass Road Elementary in Gulfport took part in a vibrant and meaningful event aimed at honoring American heroes — a color run hosted in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project.
The event, which school leaders hope will become an annual tradition, was designed not only to celebrate the end of the school year, but also to instill in students a deep sense of gratitude, unity, and appreciation for those who have served.
“Oh my gosh, it’s been amazing. This is our first annual color run, so this is our first time ever doing it and it has been so much fun,” said Kendall Casey, an ESL instructor.
Students dashed through clouds of colored powder, cheered on by teachers, volunteers, and veterans — many of whom joined in the fun themselves.
“Oh my God, I think the kids are having the most amount of fun. They are fully covered head to toe in rainbow colors, and now they are enjoying our foam pit,” Casey added. “It’s so important just to keep our kids engaged and looking forward to school. We don’t want it to just be nine to five every day. Just come in and all I do is stare at a board.”
Among the day’s special guests were members of the Wounded Warrior Project’s Gulfport chapter.
“Today we were invited to come out for a Wounded Warrior Project fundraiser given by Pass Road Elementary School,” said Rosalind Johnson, a Field Leader for the Gulfport Chapter. “It’s been great. They came in early to help out with whatever they need, so just want the kids to have the best day at the end of the school year.”
Johnson also shared details about ongoing community involvement. “We always want to find opportunities to give back to our community because we know the support they’ve given us when we go out and deploy,” she said. “We have our meetings… every third Thursday of the month at Orange Grove Community Center.”
The event was supported by the school’s PTA, which helped organize and raise funds.
“I would rate it a 10 out of 10,” said Tomiko Walker, the school’s PTA Social Media Coordinator. “It gives them a great experience to run with the Wounded Warriors, as well as help us with the different things that we’re raising money for here at the school.”
Walker emphasized the PTA’s role in connecting the school’s needs with the community. “The whole inspiration was to be that liaison between the teachers and the administrations to help to get all the things that the kids need by way of fundraising.”
As laughter echoed and bursts of color filled the air, the event proved to be more than just a run — it was a powerful lesson in service, sacrifice, and community.
