At sunrise on the SCH track, you’ll find more than just footsteps—you’ll find a community. Most mornings, while the campus is still quiet, a steady group of walkers circle the track. They move at an easy pace, trading stories, checking in on one another, and marking the days not only by laps completed but also by friendships deepened. For them, the SCH track has become far more than a place to exercise. It has become a gathering spot that reflects the spirit of the SCH community.
Among the walkers is Brad Fishman, who has been a part of the group since moving to Mount Airy five years ago. A lifelong runner and walker, Fishman has logged miles for more than 50 years. “It’ll be five years for me in January,” he shared, noting that while his days of running are behind him, the consistency of walking with others keeps him coming back. His only small complaint? The track’s bathrooms are always locked, creating an inconvenience for everyone. Still, Fishman’s dedication is clear, and his presence is a familiar one in the mornings.
Brenda McLahan found her way to the track through a more personal connection. Her son, Craig L. McLahan, a member of the CHA Class of 1988, encouraged her to start walking there about seven or eight years ago. Since then, McLahan has become a regular, weaving her own family history at SCH into the makeup of the group. For her, the track is not only about staying active but also maintaining a connection to the school her son attended.
The two are part of a group of about 10 to 12 consistent regulars. Over time, these walkers have created traditions that go beyond fitness. Birthdays, for example, are a big deal. Joanne, described as a leader in the group, keeps a calendar of everyone’s birthday and organizes small celebrations at the track. It’s these thoughtful touches that transform a routine workout into something that feels more like family.
As age has forced many to adapt from running to walking, the community spirit has only grown stronger. Many of the walkers note how important the track’s surface is, especially for those managing bad knees or backs. The SCH track provides a safe, reliable space where health, wellness, and friendship can intersect.
What began as a way to stay active has turned into a community tradition, one that reflects SCH’s broader commitment to building connections that extend beyond classrooms and teams. On any given morning, as the sun rises over Willow Grove Avenue, the walkers remind us that the SCH community is not defined solely by students and teachers—it’s built by the neighbors, alumni families, and friends who find belonging here too.
