By Kevin Perez 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused most students to attend school virtually, one of the year’s favorite activities at MLEC was put on hold, but this year, the Jingle Jog returned in epic Holiday fashion.

MLEC hosted its third annual Jingle Jog Run during lunch on Friday, December 8th. This event brings together students and teachers as they run or walk in the holiday spirit.

MLEC started this tradition in 2018 after then-Principal Lourdes Diaz was inspired by Physical Education teacher Mrs. Estepe’s annual Turkey Trot but wanted to give it a Holiday twist. In fact, Ms. Diaz returned to this year’s Jingle Jog and saw familiar faces among the teachers and students.

“I’m really happy to see this continue… It’s a very positive activity for the students to promote health and wellness and a little bit of friendly competition,” said Ms. Diaz. 

Every year, students and teachers congregate around the bus loop, where participants are lined up to begin. The contestants walk or run one mile, which is equivalent to one lap around the bus loop and truck parking lot.

“Just to show kids that movement doesn’t have to not be fun; you can walk a mile or run a mile, but you still did a mile… The best part of the Jingle Jog is that the children get to run alongside the teachers, and it involves the entire school. “We have music, and it’s a good time,” said Physical Education Teacher Mrs. Estepe. 

The Jingle Jog attracted over 60 students and teachers this year, including Mr. Puentes, Mr. O’Brien, Ms. Desire, Ms. Algaze, and others. As the competitors raced to the finish line, Holiday music was playing, the audience sang along, and the Jaggetes cheered them on. Mehdi Wadi took first place for the boys, and Vermella Robinson took first place for the girls.

“I always knew I was going to win, I had like the positivity mindset from the beginning, but there was something in my gut that was telling me like oh there are other people who are good too here but the whole time I was thinking, it’s just you against yourself so just push it and that’s what led me to first place,” said Wadi. 

For students and staff who have had a difficult year due to the pandemic, events like the Jingle Jog can provide a fun activity to participate in during the holiday season. Everyone at Miami Lakes Educational Center was excited to resume some of their favorite activities in order to end 2021 on a high note. Despite the setback, this year’s Jingle Jog was a success, and MLEC is already looking forward to next year’s mile-long race around the school.