Schuylerville Elementary School students, staff and Parents as Education Partners (PEP) celebrated the official opening of the school’s new multipurpose basketball hoop and recreational area with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The $40,607 project was fully funded through proceeds from the 2025 PEP Fun Run.
PEP gave special recognition to Silver Sponsor Stone Bridge Iron and Steel, Inc., whose generous contribution helped push the Fun Run fundraising total beyond the $40,000 mark. A plaque at the new recreational area recognizes PEP and the school community whose support helped make the project possible.
“Our students have already been putting this wonderful new hoop structure to non-stop use, and seeing our kids active, playing together, and filling the playground with laughter is what childhood is all about,” said Schuylerville Elementary School Principal, Marissa Macey. “Keeping our children moving and engaged is so vital to their health and growth, and we are deeply grateful to PEP and our generous community for giving them a space where they can play, thrive, and just be kids.”
PEP Co-President Christine Barbeau said the project represents exactly what the organization hopes to accomplish through its work.
“At the end of the day, this is what PEP is all about: coming together to make things happen for the kids,” said Barbeau.
Schuylerville Mayor Dan Carpenter joined the celebration and helped mark the official opening, pointing to the project as an example of what can happen when a community comes together behind the work of volunteers. Carpenter praised the group for raising more than $40,000 and said the new space will provide students with a great environment and countless hours of enjoyment. Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman also attended the ribbon cutting and praised the effort behind the project.
“Raising more than $40,000 is a remarkable undertaking and really speaks to the support our families and community have for our students,” said Dr. Sherman. “We’re incredibly grateful to PEP, its volunteers and everyone who contributed to making this project a reality.”
Next Up: 2026 PEP Fun Run
The 2026 PEP Fun Run kicks off in school on Oct. 5, with the Fun Run taking place Oct. 15. This year, PEP has set a $50,000 fundraising goal to support courtyard enhancements, indoor recess supplies and more for Schuylerville Elementary School students. Students in grades UPK-5 will participate with their grade levels, running alongside classmates and cheering one another on throughout the day.
“This year, students participating in the Fun Run will have a very visible reminder of what their efforts and the support of the Schuylerville community can accomplish,” said Principal Macey. “We cannot wait for the event.”