As Hawley Elementary School students began walking around the school's Taylor Field on May 11, Newtown Police Department Officer William Chapman was ready with his hands out for high fives. While the students walked by, slapping his outstretched hands, he congratulated them for their efforts and thanked them for their support for the upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut.soct.org.

It was the start of the day's celebration for the school's recent fundraising effort: Hawley School held the entire-school walk on May 11, from 9:30 until 10 am, to celebrate the school community raising roughly $1,000 for the cause, as announced by school Principal Christopher Moretti.

According to Officer Chapman, all of Newtown's schools are involved with raising money for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut this year. Newtown's segment of the run will take place on June 8.

The run covers over 500 miles and passes through more than 100 cities and towns, according to Special Olympics Connecticut. Over 1,500 officers and Special Olympics Athletes will participate in this year's Torch Run. Officers represent local, state, and federal departments, agencies, and correctional facilities, according to its website,

"We're pretty excited about how creative they have been here [at Hawley]," Officer Chapman said just before all of the school's classes exited the building to participate in the walk. He also thanked the school community for its part in supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

With all of the students lined up by grade level before him, Mr Moretti told the students the torch in the June 8 run will be carried by members of the Newtown Police Department.

"We have waited so long for a beautiful day like this," Mr Moretti said, adding that it was a wonderful day to do something that means so much to the community.

"Who's ready to walk for Special Olympics?" Mr Moretti said, to cheers from the students and teachers.

Hawley lead teacher Jenna Connors said the school's leadership team, grade level teachers, and department members organized the fundraising effort and celebratory walk.

In a letter sent home to parents, Ms Connors explained the torch will be carried from the town line on Route 302 to the Blue Colony Diner on June 8. It will then be handed off to state police for another leg of the run.

"Newtown Schools have the opportunity to sponsor miles for the run. Hawley School would like to raise funds and sponsor a mile, or more! Our school name will be proudly displayed on signs along the route," the letter stated.

For the May 11 event, the sky was clear, and a slight breeze kept teachers and students moving briskly around the field for each lap. Some students skipped, others held hands, and some huddled near their teachers as they made their way around the field.

Officer Chapman said the Newtown community will have an opportunity to further support raising money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut on May 23 at Market Place Kitchen andamp; Bar, 32 Church Hill Road, when police officers will be holding a "Tip A Cop" event starting at 5 pm. Police officers will be working as waitstaff for the event, and the tips they earn will go toward the cause.