Hawley Elementary School students, faculty, and staff gathered outside on Friday, May 24, to walk around the school’s Taylor Field to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut.

“We’re out here walking for Special Olympics to support the police,” lead teacher Jenna Connors said, projecting her voice so all the waiting students could hear.

Hawley physical education teacher Doug Michlovitz had set cones up ahead of the walk for everyone to follow a path. Younger grades led the walk, with older grades following. After rounding for a second lap, some students clasped hands onto the shoulders of the student in front of them and the group began to a conga line. Other students held hands with friends or with their teachers, smiling as they completed laps around the field.

According to a June 3 Newtown Police Department release, Newtown police and Garner Correctional Institution police were set to participate in the 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut on June 7, carrying the torch from the area of Dodgingtown Market & Deli to the Blue Colony Diner between 11:15 am and 1 pm.

According to Special Olympics Connecticut, the 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run was scheduled for June 5-7. The run’s mission is “a serious commitment by the law enforcement community to pay homage to our heroes — Special Olympics Connecticut athletes and their families,” according to its website, soct.org. The torch run will cover more than 500 miles as it passes through towns and cities.

Leading up to the walk, the school raised $750 to donate to the effort, according to Hawley Principal Christopher Moretti.

Hawley students walked for roughly half an hour in support of the cause.