More than 200 students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade ran with dogged determination and enthusiasm in support of St. John the Baptist Catholic School’s recent Jog-A-Thon.

The auto theme, complete with musical anthem “Life is a Highway,” was supported by Jenson Motor Center who loaned a VW Bug to the event for photo opportunities.

The bright blue Bug was parked in the middle of Rotary Park at New Technology High School. 

Off like a shot at first, most students gradually slowed to a more sustainable jog, while some kept up the furious pace for their entire visit to Rotary Park.

Students walked, jogged, ran, and skipped more than 6,500 laps around the VW Bug. Most ran an average of 20 to 40 laps. 

A water station was a popular rest area; overall students either consumed or dunked themselves in a total of 82 gallons of water. 

The students wore a commemorative T-shirt designed by seventh grader Nicole Zeller, which featured race cars speeding along “the highway of life.”  More than 60 sponsor names were printed on the backs of the T-shirts, to be worn as part of the school uniforms for the rest of the year.

The St. John students were serious about soliciting support for their jogging efforts and brought in more than $20,000 in pledges.

Local business sponsors were generous to St. Johns and the school received $8,000, which will help provide enrichment programs and scholarships for all students.

Students with the most pledges and laps jogged earn various rewards, including a “Jump for Dollars” bonanza and Limo Ride to Lunch.

“The day was a real success thanks to the students, teachers and the many volunteers and business that supported our efforts,” said Katie Batt, who chaired the event.

St. John the Baptist Catholic School, established 1912, is the oldest Catholic School in the Napa Valley, serving more than 200 students.

For more information or a complete list of sponsors, visit www.stjohnscatholic.org.