DAPHNE — Daphne Elementary School students participated in the nationally recognized "Walk and Roll to School Day" by walking to school alongside parents, guardians and school staff members.

On Oct. 8, students and adults gathered a few blocks down the street from the school building so they could all walk together.

Daphne Elementary School Principal Laura Herron said Walk and Roll to School Day was extra special as kids who don't normally walk to school tagged along with those that do.

She said the event was also an opportunity to appreciate the community as "it takes a village to raise a child."

In previous years, Daphne Elementary had a turnout of about 150 students walking and rolling to school. Herron estimated this year had about the same amount.

According to the website for the event, Walk and Roll to School Day started in 1997 with the goal of building awareness toward the need for walkable communities, especially emphasizing safe routes to and from schools. Walk and Roll to School Day was modeled after a similar event in the U.K. and is also practiced in Canada.

In 2006, October was considered the international Walk to School Month where countries decide a day, week or month to encourage students to walk or roll bicycles to school. National Walk to School Day is typically recognized near the start of October.

Daphne Elementary School wasn't alone in Baldwin County celebrating the day; according to a press release, other participants included Florence B. Mathis Elementary, Foley Elementary, Gulf Shores City Schools, Orange Beach Elementary, St. Patrick Catholic School, Fairhope West Elementary, Fairhope East Elementary on October 10, Daphne Elementary, Daphne East Elementary, Bay Minette Elementary and Summerdale School.