For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Jacobs School Students Participate in 10th Annual Turkey Trot

HULL — To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Turkey Trot at Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School, students, faculty and staff came together to participate in and reflect upon a number of annual traditions.

On Wednesday, Nov. 21, students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade began their day by gathering in the gymnasium for a rally to show off their Pirate Pride. Then, fourth and fifth grade students set off on a 1.2 mile race, completing two laps around the streets surrounding the school while the other students cheered them on as they rounded the school.

The Turkey Trot first started in September 2009 — a brain child of Principal Christine Cappadona and Assistant Principal Kyle Shaw, which brought fifth grade students together for some friendly competition. The entry fee to participate was a donation of canned goods.

Over the years, the race has become a Thanksgiving custom for the elementary school that has seen numerous highlights and traditions born out of the event.

In 2010, the Jacobs School expanded the race to include fourth grade students, doubling the size of the event. Again, in order to help those in need, students collected canned goods.

Since its inception, students participating in the Turkey Trot have donated more than 15,000 canned goods to the local food pantry, Wellspring. This year alone, students collected 1,328 canned goods for the drive. Deborah McCarthy’s fifth grade homeroom won the drive, collecting the most cans and earning a dodge ball game for the class.

In 2012, fifth grade student Lauren Anastos won the Turkey Trot, setting a course record. To this day, she is the only female runner to win the Turkey Trot. The following year, her brother, Hayden Anastos, broke her record. 

Also in 2012, the “National Anthem” was sung by the entire school for the first time right before the race, as is customary before all major sporting events. It has been sung before each race since.

Every year, the Jacobs School also picks a song that serves as the theme of the rally and motivation for runners. This year students chose “Try Everything” by Shakira.

The event would not be complete without someone donning the famed Turkey costume, which various administrators and teachers have traded off wearing over the years. This year, Reading Specialist Jessica Buonagurio wore it, serving as the mascot for the day. 

In a festive version of pin the tail on the donkey, Secretary Katy Rae Abatuno pinned the feather on the turkey, winning every classroom an extra five minutes of recess.

“Many traditions have been established over the last 10 years that have made the Turkey Trot what it is today,” Assistant Principal Shaw said. “Some have evolved and others have changed, and that will continue over the next 10 years, but it’s the memories created in time that are most important.”

The winners of this year’s 1.2-mile race were:

Fifth grade boys:

• First Place – Isaiah Green (overall winner among all students)
• Second Place – Asher Hermann
• Third Place – Matthew Thomas

Fifth grade girls:

• First Place – Leah Frady
• Second Place – Matti Driscoll
• Third Place – Maggie Mullen

Fourth grade boys:

• First Place – Nate Tiani
• Second Place – Jack MacNeil
• Third Place – Tegan Bellew

Fourth grade girls:

• First Place – Meghan Duran
• Second Place – Emma Lees
• Third Place – Calista Wyman

“The fourth and fifth grade students worked really hard during their training for the Turkey Trot in PE and outside of school,” said Physical Education teacher Keryn Leonard. “All students did a great job and finished the 1.2 mile race. The entire Jacobs School is so proud of them for their hard work!”

Green, the overall winner, was awarded a first place ribbon and hat donated by SportTobin.

“I was happy and excited when I won the Turkey Trot,” he said.

Following the race, an awards celebration for all participants and their families was held in the gym. All students received a certificate of completion and a finisher’s medal.

Additionally, the top three boys and girls from each grade received a ribbon and a winter hat or headband. The hats and headbands were provided by SportTobin, and the medals and ribbons were donated by the Hull PTO.

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