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High school students run in the annual fundraising celebration Rocket Races at Norton's field on Friday, Mar. 21, 2025. (Photo credit: Ellis Evans)
On Friday, Mar. 21, 2025 Norton held its annual Rocket Races, a school tradition spearheaded by Norton’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that fundraises money through the online Boosterthon platform. Notably, in 2023, Norton fundraised $21,000 for new elementary playground equipment. Each year students from elementary to high school participate, running or walking laps while staff toss color powder.
Students and staff shared what was fun about the Rocket Races this year.
“The tradition of Rocket Races helps fundraise by building excitement in our community around fun events that make raising money more engaging,” high school Spanish teacher Jose Hernandez explained. “The most fun part about Rocket Races is the excitement and interaction between students and teachers. For example, during the color race, I had a great time throwing paint on students while they threw paint on me, creating a lively and memorable experience.”
“Rocket Races helps by getting our community of parents involved,” sixth grade English teacher Raquel Garcia added. “Parents can donate to our school, and it is always so special to see the plethora of families come out to support their students and teachers.”
“If I remember correctly, for every lap that elementary school did, a fixed amount of money was added towards the school, which is a pretty fun way to raise money,” senior Korian Maldonado (‘25) said. “The most fun part of the Rocket Races for me is to always remain spotless, but, even if I don’t, it’s still fun to celebrate the quarter ending in a unique fashion.”
Students and staff also shared what they hoped could improve in the future.
“One improvement for Rocket Races could be increasing teacher participation,” Hernandez said. “More teachers joining in would make the event even more enjoyable and engaging for students.”
“I think clearer communication and planning around when Rocket Races is happening would be great,” Maldonado explained. “Sometimes it seems like last-minute planning that is put on teachers and other staff without enough time to prepare. I would also love to see us have more specific goals each year for what we are fundraising for. It would be great to fundraise for things not just for elementary but for secondary, too.”
Still, Norton staff and students noted the benefits of the annual event for school culture.
“I’m just glad the Rocket Races were at the end of the day, so students didn’t return to class all covered in color,” Garcia added. “It’s great seeing staff and students meet on the field for an enjoyable activity where they’re not worried about the pressures of schoolwork and test scores. Everyone was given a chance to have fun. It was a simple moment to be present and appreciate a time of celebration before spring break and state testing.”