The 100K for 100 Years of Excellence challenge is an opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to celebrate the district’s centennial by logging 100 kilometers of exercise by May 1.

Those participating in the challenge can log hours by biking, swimming, rowing, running, or walking. Assistant superintendent Dennis Muizers said the challenge is aimed toward bringing the community together.

“One of the pillars of the Graduate Profile is for students to be engaged in a healthy lifestyle,” Muizers said. “We thought the 100K Challenge would be an engaging way to make an important connection to our Graduate Profile and to unify our community with a connection to the 100 Year Anniversary of Lovejoy ISD.”

More than 100 participants are already registered, and anyone can join the challenge, and kilometers can be logged using the Challenge Runner app. Lovejoy Elementary kindergarten teacher Sheryl Nicholson completed her 100 kilometers in just six days.

“Any amount of exercise is more than the person who is not trying at all,” Nicholson said. “Every little step counts. Put one foot in front of the other. I have a spin instructor that has us complete the mantra, ‘I am, I can, I will, I do.’ These words have helped me in many situations both on the bike and in life. I teach my students these ‘empowering’ words to help them in life as well.”

Participants with the most mileage will be recognized at the school board meeting in May. Muizers said the school board hopes to make the challenge an annual tradition, such as holding a 101K for 100 Years of Excellence challenge next year.

A t-shirt featuring the Lovejoy Centennial Logo created by sophomore Hudson Samuels to commemorate the 100K Challenge can be ordered by those participating.