Shorecliffs Middle School marked a significant milestone on Thursday, Nov. 21, with its 30th annual Turkey Trot race. This beloved tradition has grown over three decades into the school’s largest fundraiser and a cherished community event. More than 600 students, along with parents, teachers, and even U.S. Marines, participated in the 2-mile event held during each Physical Education (PE) period throughout the day. The Turkey Trot raises essential funds for the PE department, supporting equipment, supplies, intramural sports, and other resources.
The day began with a tribute to the event’s history, honoring its founders, former PE teachers Joe Marie Wilson and Tom Ferris. Both were in attendance to celebrate the event’s legacy, which started in 1994 as a creative solution to fund the department. Current PE teacher Robbin Carter reflected on the event’s evolution and significance in a heartfelt speech.
“It’s remarkable to celebrate three decades of this wonderful tradition that brings our school community together in such a meaningful and fun way,” Carter said. “Whether you’re running, walking, cheering, or volunteering, you are the reason why the trot is such a success.”
Carter also thanked the school’s administration, students, and community members for their unwavering support over the years. She recognized the essential contributions of the Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA), community sponsors, and volunteers, all of whom help make the Turkey Trot an enduring success. A special acknowledgment went to the military personnel present for their help monitoring the course and serving as role models for the students.
The Turkey Trot has remained a constant at Shorecliffs Middle School, with its 2-mile course unchanged for 30 years. It draws not only current students but also alumni, parents, and families who return year after year to support the event. Kristen Annaloro, a local attendee, emphasized the event’s impact on the broader community.
“This is just such a fabulous event, especially throughout the community,” Annaloro said. “People who don’t even have kids here anymore still come to cheer on all of these middle school students, just because it’s such an amazing event.”
The structure of the Turkey Trot has also remained consistent, giving it a sense of tradition. Students contribute $5 to participate, earning raffle tickets for prizes. All proceeds go toward purchasing equipment and funding activities for the PE program. Carter noted that the fundraiser is a vital resource, as the department does not receive other funding for these needs.
“We don’t receive funding for our equipment, otherwise, so this is a lifeline for our department,” Carter explained. “It’s incredible to see how a simple idea, started 30 years ago, has grown into something so meaningful.”
Students participating in Shorecliffs Middle School’s 30th annual Turkey Trot run the course on Thursday, Nov. 21.
In addition to the sense of tradition, the event fosters a unique connection among participants. Families often run together, and former students come back to participate or support. This year’s event even included families with young children in strollers, showcasing how the Turkey Trot extends its reach far beyond the current student body.
Throughout the day, each PE period saw students and staff eagerly take to the course. Volunteers and Marines guided runners along the way, while parents cheered from the sidelines. The atmosphere was celebratory, with smiles, laughter, and camaraderie filling the air.
The Turkey Trot has also become a source of pride for Shorecliffs Middle School. The involvement of community sponsors and volunteers highlights the strong connections between the school and its local supporters. With over 20 sponsors contributing annually, the event exemplifies how collaboration and generosity can create lasting traditions.
Carter’s speech at the event captured the spirit of the day, as she encouraged participants to appreciate the legacy of the Turkey Trot while looking forward to its future.
“As we celebrate 30 years of this Turkey Trot tradition, let’s look back with pride, appreciate the memories we’ve created, and look ahead to an even brighter future. Go, Seahawks, and gobble, gobble!” Carter said.
