On Saturday, August 23rd, William Thomas Middle School was bursting with color, laughter, and community spirit as more than 150 runners and walkers took part in the schoolâs first-ever Color Run. The free event, sponsored by the Sources of Strength program, was open to all families in the community and was designed to promote mental health awareness and celebrate the power of connection.
âThis event was about bringing our community together while also sending a message about the importance of mental health and looking out for one another,â said Angela Warth, Community School Coordinator and co-organizer of the run. âWatching it all come together, seeing so many smiles, and feeling the energy of the community reminded me why this work matters so much.â
WTMS School Counselor and co-organizer Tiffany Held added, âI appreciated the way the community came together to draw awareness of eight strengths that we can draw on to get us through difficult times. This is called upstream prevention. Too often we focus on our challenges and not on the good things we have in our lives. Sources of Strength is one way to help those in our community know they are not alone and that they can do hard things.â
The color run left a lasting impression on all participants, no matter their involvement. Runners said they loved the energy, the colorful fun, and the activities that made the event more than just a race. Many shared that they learned about Sources of Strength for the first time because of the run and immediately wanted to see it return next year. Volunteers at the resource tables echoed the excitement, saying they enjoyed connecting with families, answering questions, and sharing vital mental health resources.
Events like the Color Run reflect the American Falls School Districtâs commitment as a Community School districtâwhere schools, families, and local organizations work hand-in-hand to support the whole child, not just academically, but socially and emotionally.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the many businesses and volunteers who donated raffle prizes, set up resource tables, tossed color, and filled the morning with encouragement. Their generosity and spirit made the day unforgettable.
With the success of its first year, the Color Run is set to become a beloved annual tradition at William Thomas Middle School. By blending fitness, fun, and advocacy, the event showed what can happen when a community comes together: barriers break down, hope grows, and everyone is reminded that they are not aloneâand that together, we are stronger. If you or someone you love is struggling, please remember you are not alone. Help is always available, please call 988.