SUGAR HILL –  White Oak Elementary School shattered its fundraising goal during this year’s annual Boot Scoot event, collecting a record $57,446.45 to support classroom technology, garden projects and enrichment programs.

The Boot Scoot, held Friday, Sept. 26, featured every student participating in a Fun Run around the school track during their Specials period. Teachers, parents and volunteers joined the fun, cheering on students as they ran laps to raise money for their school.

Boot Scoot is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of teamwork and community. The school’s original fundraising goal was $25,000, a figure the community more than doubled through donations from 53% of students and their families.

Principal Stacey Pickett said she couldn’t be prouder of the school’s students, staff and families for their record-setting effort.

“Boot Scoot is one of my favorite days of the school year,” Pickett wrote in the White Oak Weekly newsletter. “It makes my principal heart so proud to see our community, students and staff pulling together to achieve a common goal to help our magnificent school. I am in awe of the funds we have raised. We achieved our mission of ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL, ALL IN.”

Pickett also thanked the PTA, room parents and families for their support, adding that the excitement of Boot Scoot continues throughout the week with raffle drawings and special events.

“Our PTA went above and beyond to incorporate new ideas, awesome prizes and overall excitement,” Pickett said. “To our room parents, the posters were incredible, and the water and popsicles hit the spot. Thank you for being the very best school community in the world.”

As part of the celebration, Pickett and the administrative team promised to wear inflatable duck costumes after the school surpassed the $50,000 mark.

“On Thursday our party bus will roll to Chick-fil-A, and on Friday I will be suited up in my duck suit,” she wrote. “Since we hit the $50,000 mark, our administrative team will join me in duck suits. Don’t worry if you don’t see us Friday — we’ll bring our costumes back out for Trunk or Treat.”

Funds raised through past Boot Scoot events have helped the school add soccer goals, swings and classroom technology. This year’s proceeds will fund additional technology, expand the school’s garden project and support programs such as STEM, Clubs for All and Explore Sugar Hill.