Gwinnett Daily Post

Staff Photo: Jason Braverman More than 50 studnets took part in International Walk to School Day at Summerour Middle School in Norcross.

NORCROSS -- Braving wet weather Wednesday morning, more than 50 students of Summerour Middle and volunteers put on their rain jackets and hit the streets as part of an International Walk to School event.

Summerour's second walk and bike to school day was a successful one said Arlene Beckles, one of the event's organizers.

"The weather wasn't the greatest, but we had great participation considering that," Beckles said.

The effort was sponsored by the city of Norcross and Georgia Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School Georgia program.

Andy Pittman, a representative with the safe routes program, said the organization "assists schools and communities with education and encouragement to get them out and walking if it's in a safe area ... and if it's not in a safe area, to make it safe for them."

Parent volunteer Maria Rosario Jasso volunteered to help because she heard the event needed "people to look out for the children while they're walking."

Beckles said thanks to volunteers like Jasso, the event wasn't short on help. "I think it went great," Beckles said as she finished the mile-long route from a local apartment complex to the school.

"It's a fun activity to get kids out in the community," Beckles said.

After the students finished their walk Wednesday morning they were rewarded with breakfast.

Assistant Principal Michelle Ransom thanked them for participating.

"You were super responsible this morning," Ransom told the group of students as they ate breakfast.

"I'm glad you were all able to show up and start the day on a great note," she said. "Walking is healthy for you. It's good for your heart, and we all got to come together today as a community."