We are accepting submissions for the Feet First IWALK Challenge through November 8th. If you hosted an IWALK event, complete our Feet First IWALK Challenge Submission Form for the chance to win prizes and recognition.
International Walk to School Day touches on so many important issues: health, education, safety, transportation and environment, to mention a few. In convening our panel of celebrity judges, Feet First sought prominent Washingtonians whose work aligns them to the heart and soul of IWALK. We send a big THANK YOU to these three individuals who, together, will decide the winners of the IWALK Challenge:
Sarah Butzine, School Health and Wellness Program Supervisor at OSPI
Sarah has worked to create healthier places to live and learn for the past decade. She is the School Health and Wellness Program Supervisor at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, OSPI, where she supports partnerships between OSPI, the Washington State Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Feet First, Bicycle Alliance, and Action for Healthy Kids. A key project in that area is the Safe Routes to School Bike and Pedestrian Safety Education Program.
Getting physical activity on the way to and from school is one great way for students to be more prepared and ready to learn. Growing up in Michigan and Germany, I had the opportunity to safely walk or bike to school. Unfortunately, this is not the norm for too many students.
Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich of Spokane County
Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich is currently serving his second term as the Sheriff o
f Spokane County and his twenty-third year in the law enforcement. He is the President of the Washington Sheriff’s and Police Chief’s Association. Sheriff Knezovich is a dedicated community member and serves on numerous boards including Daybreak Youth Services, The United Way, Salvation Army, and the Arc of Spokane.
Walking to school is a great way to wake up in the morning. Exercise helps get our body and brain ready to learn or work. I look forward to my walk every day, join me by walking to and back from school.
Representative Marko Liias of the 21st Legislative District
Representative Marko Liias is currently serving his sixth session in Olympia. During his time in the House, Marko has worked to make communities stronger through balanced transportation policy choices; particularly through the promotion of transit and walkable communities. Marko was honored to recently join the Board of the Transportation Choices Coalition where he can continue to advocate for a transportation system that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.
Communities are strengthened by the availability of quality transportation choices. Transit and other options, like biking and walking, reduce pollution and congestion, helps our economy, and improves everyone’s quality of life. We must maintain committed to transit and improving our community.