The annual Drug Free Greenville Walk-a-Thon - an event which greatly benefits the students of Greenville ISD schools - is featured on a new episode of “GISD Today."

“GISD Today” is a 30-minute television program which airs on GEUS 34 for subscribers of the municipally-owned cable TV service.  The program gives local residents a first-hand look inside Greenville's public schools, features stories of the unsung heroes within Greenville ISD - its outstanding teachers and students - and spotlights innovative ideas in place in local classrooms.

The new episode airs at 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily, starting on Wednesday, April 15.

The 21st Annual Walk-a-Thon is set for Saturday, April 18 in downtown Greenville.  Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the warm-up, followed by the Walk, begins at 9 a.m.  As in prior years, this year's Walk features a "Walkapoly" theme where the route is similar to a giant game board and all walkers are the playing pieces.

Much of the programming Drug Free provides to the city is geared toward Greenville's school children, so district staffers - and students - have historically gotten involved.

"We always have excellent involvement and participation from the school district, from staff members and of course the children," said Sharon Kroncke, executive director of Drug Free Greenville.  "Many of the schools take it very seriously and even compete for the most money raised and the most number of participants from their school.  The principals always try to make it fun for their students with some sort of challenge.  And while they make the pay-off for the challenges silly, they have a serious message behind them.  They do it because they believe in the message and care enough about these kids.”

The new episode is hosted by GHS students Natalie Woodson and Sarah Baucom.