Students throughout Geary USD 475 could be seen walking around their schools Friday morning and afternoon as they participated in the annual Bramlage Family Walk-a-Mile Day.

The Walk-a-Mile day began in October 2006 when the federal government set aside October 4th for kids to exercise by suggesting that parents walk their children to school.

The Geary Community healthcare Foundation has since continued the event according to Jolana Montgomery-Matney, GCHF Executive Director.

“After Ron and Becky and the children were killed in that horrible plane crash, the Bramlage Family Foundation adopted this as the Bramlage Family Walk-a-Mile Day,” said Montgomery.

Relatives of the Bramlage Family still come to Junction City each year for the event in honor of their loved ones, including Helen Johnston, Becky Bramlage’s mother.

“We feel honored that your community, Junction City, takes time to have this walk in their memory,” said Johnston. “Walking was something I know Becky and the children, and Ron too, all did daily, even these same steps they took almost everyday.”

Johnston attended the event at Lincoln Elementary Friday afternoon and walked with the students.

There were some incentives to walk as well, each student and adult who walked was able to enter into a drawing for a number of prizes. Each school drew for two prizes. Grades K-2 drew for a Razor Scooter, and grades 3-5 drew for a new bicycle. Following those drawings each name went into a grand prize drawing for an XBOX 360 with Kinnect and two games. Adults also have the chance to win a Fitbit Flex Band.