MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – A gym teacher in Northfield has taken a national program that encourages students to walk to school one step further.
Michael Gonneville, known as “Mr. G,” walked Wednesday with dozens of students more than a mile from the gates of Norwich University to Northfield Elementary School.
The program, known as Walking Wednesdays, has been going 17 years strong. Gonneville, a PE teacher at the school, says in addition to stretching their legs, it’s an opportunity for students to connect with the community along the way. “If you have a strong community, you’re going to have successful kids,” Gonneville said.
Their first stop was Northfield Savings Bank to pick up balloons. Next came Veterans Place — which is next to tthe school — where unhoused veterans stay until they get back on their feet. When students arrived, they recited the pledge of allegiance together with residents.
Paul Butcher, one of the residents, says the pledge is a lifetime tradition that he is happy to share with younger generations. “I used to do it as a kid myself because I grew up on military bases. I’m with the patriots, so it’s inspiring,” he said.
Skyler Koch, who works with the veterans, says the gesture also shows overall support to veterans going through hardship. “It’s a really nice thing for them to do — to stop here and show support for the veterans who are living here,” she said.
While it may have been the last Walking Wednesday of the school year, Gonneville says he has been thinking of making it a program that goes throughout the summer.