With the sun shining on the bus loop outside Miami Lakes Educational Center, upbeat Christmas music synchronizing with the beating of hearts, and hundreds of students ready to race to the finish line, Miami Lakes Educational Center’s second annual Jingle Jog was off to even a better start than the last.
The Jingle Jog is a one-mile run where teachers and students can show their school and holiday spirit before winter break vacation.
This year, the run was a major success.
The administration and SGA worked together to plan and guarantee that the race would be a fun and safe experience for all. Right after lunch started, teachers and students from all academies lined up to go the distance and prove themselves in the competition. Most participants were decked out in holiday wear, adorning Christmas hats, and sweaters to show their love for the holidays—and one of them, our very own counselor Mr. Felix Muñoz, even wore a tutu as he jogged the mile.
“It was wonderful to see such a turnout. We had 200 participants this year and over 40 teachers and I think it’s a great way to close out the year here at MLEC,” said Ms. Helena Castro, MLEC’s Activities Director.
The track began and ended in the bus loop. Participants made their way through the entrance of the bus loop, then turned around and ran back through the exit. A gate was opened that led to the truck lot. From there, participants kept running until they reached the finish line.
“I think the Jingle Jog is a good event to end the year because it’s a fun event that everybody could enjoy, whether they are participating or just watching,” said Sophomore Ceylon Phillips.
Encouraging words, such as “Let’s go!” and “Keep going, you can do this!” could be heard all around the bus loop as MLEC’s own cheerleading squad—the Jaguettes and our Mascot Mel EC—cheered runners on and gave them the extra push they needed to keep running.
The five winners, who are from various academies and grades, were Randal Dyer, Luis Montiel, Marco Mejia, Melanie Fernandez, and Genesis Gilles. These students pushed themselves to the limit and their lightning speed proved to beat the other competitors in the fierce competition. When passing the finish line, these winners were instantly gifted with a blue satin sash and a prize bag, while also having the chance to stand in the spotlight and hold up winner certificates.
For some, it was an all-new experience that led to wonderful achievements. Luis Montiel, a freshman at Miami Lakes Educational Center and a winning contestant in the Jingle Jog, was in for quite a surprise when he won.
“I was excited as well as nervous because I did not know how it was going to turn out, but I’m very happy I won,” said Montiel.
For others, it was a last goodbye. Seniors who are leaving MLEC took this opportunity to have their last hurrah in the Jingle Jog before they’re off to college next fall.
“It hurts. This is actually my first year running because I felt I needed to do it; you know, enjoy High School and participate in these activities. It was honestly fun,” said Senior Julio Gomez, who had never participated in the race before, felt it was his responsibility to run for the last time as a way to commemorate his high school years.
For freshman Melanie Fernandez, who ran with an injured ankle, running the Jingle Jog wasn’t her first rodeo. A varsity track star and cross country runner, Fernandez was thrilled to race and show off her running skills. Even with a shin splint, she pulled through and won the race.
“At the beginning of the starting line, I was super nervous. I got the same feeling of butterflies in my stomach like I do during my track meets, but when we started I felt a lot more relaxed. I think the Jingle Jog is a great event to promote exercise and Christmas, so I was very excited,” said Fernandez.
The event brought great Christmas spirit to the Miami Lakes campus and was the perfect way to end the year while celebrating our holiday festivities. The Jingle Jog was a fun and enjoyable experience for many, and hopefully, even more students participate in the run next year.
