KINGSTON — Wyoming Seminary students took a break from schoolwork and preparing for final exams to take part in the Wyoming Seminary 5K Walk/Run for Wellness on Saturday.

Joining the students for the walk/run were parents, alumni and faculty of the school. In all, more than 200 people turned out for the event, which included a block party after the run.

“I don’t usually do these types of things,” said Gabby Grossman, a senior at Seminary. “But it was an end of year thing, and it was for Wellness Week.”

Grossman, who will study journalism next year at Northwestern University, said the day will be just one more memory she takes with her when she leaves Seminary.

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Senior Samarth Desai, who is heading to Harvard to study government, took time to sit with friends and “hang out,” looking out on the grounds of the school he will soon be leaving.

Junior Abby Straub, who plays lacrosse, said her busy schedule hasn’t given her a weekend off in quite some time.

“I was so glad that when I did have some time, I was able to do this,” she said.

John Dickinson, a chemistry instructor at the school, enjoyed participating alongside students.

Dickinson, who sometimes walks 10 miles a day and at one time ran marathons, said walking provides a wonderful cardiovascular benefit.

Beth Blaum, director of student health services and coordinator of the employee wellness program, said the event provided participants with a chance to spend some time outside, get some exercise and get to know one another better.

The event also offered biometric screenings, skin damage screenings, dental health suggestions and information provided by the Livewell Luzerne County – Keystone Active Zone.

A bounce house was also provided for the younger set.

Laura Glynn, a parent of a student at Seminary, credited the school with engendering a sense of community and wellness.

“It’s the first year for us, and we’re really impressed,” she said.

Glynn and husband, Todd, brought their sons Doron, 7, and Hadley, 3, to the event.

Watching them run through the common area, Glynn said it was a great way for the boys to get some exercise and have some fun.

Doron Glynn, a student at the school, said he tried his best to make it through the 5K walk, but admitted that he got tired.

“I started out ahead of everyone,” he said. “But then I couldn’t even move.”

Doron seemed to get his energy back during the block party, enjoying the activities and refreshments.

“This is a great way to close the school year,” said Blaum. “It’s becoming a tradition.”

Declan Moser, 12, of Luzerne slides head first on a slide at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston during the post 5K Walk/Run for Wellness festivities at the school on Saturday.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_walkrunwellness.jpg.optimal.jpgDeclan Moser, 12, of Luzerne slides head first on a slide at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston during the post 5K Walk/Run for Wellness festivities at the school on Saturday.

By Geri Gibbons

ggibbons@timesleader.com

Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLggibbons