Holland Intermediate came alive Friday morning as students laced up their sneakers for the school’s annual Little Devils Dash—a spirited celebration of health, fitness and community.
Led by physical education teacher Jude Perino, art teacher Kelly Nottingham, music teacher Nicki Mohr and STEAM teacher Sam Bell, this year’s event marked Perino’s first time coordinating the Dash, alongside support from the Holland Intermediate Parent Club, Holland Intermediate teachers and Principal Andy Evans.
The event invited students to walk or run a 1.34-mile course, beginning in the grove and finishing triumphantly on the football field. After crossing the finish line, students received snacks provided by the Parent Club—including Goldfish crackers and bottled water donated by Parent Club President Allison Bollinger and members Erica Heckman and Sam Prenger.
Once students completed their run, recreational equipment was set up on the field for them to enjoy playtime and cool down with friends. “The Little Devils Dash is all about movement, encouragement and fun,” said Perino. “It’s one of those experiences where every student feels proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
Art teacher Kelly Nottingham and her students also played a creative role, designing and hanging colorful flyers throughout the school to promote the event and build excitement in the days leading up to it.
Each class participated during their regularly scheduled special period, taking the place of P.E., music, art and STEAM for the day. Students were divided into teams named for Holland’s core character traits, with each group running during its assigned time slot. The day began with Team Empathy at 7:30 a.m., as students practiced encouragement and teamwork to start the morning with positive energy. Next came Team Honesty, from 8:15 to 9 a.m., demonstrating integrity and sportsmanship throughout the Dash.
At 9 a.m., Team Responsibility took the field, taking ownership of their effort and cheering on their peers, followed by Team Respect at 9:45 a.m., modeling fair play and kindness on the course.
After a midmorning break, Team Creativity ran from 11:50 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., bringing fun and imagination to the run. Team Gratitude followed from 12:35 to 1:20 p.m., celebrating health, friendship and thankfulness.
Closing out the event, Team Kindness ran the final lap from 1:20 to 2 p.m., ending the day with encouragement and joy.
To recognize outstanding effort and enthusiasm, the top three finishers from each grade received a Little Devils Dash Certificate and a new water bottle.
The annual event continues to remind students that fitness and fun go hand-inhand, and that finishing strong, together, is what being a Blue Devil is all about.
