Empowering Young Minds: Elementary Students Raise Funds for Childhood Cancer Awareness

In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, elementary school students in Perry Township have come together to support a fellow student and raise awareness for childhood cancer. The students of Rosa Parks Elementary School recently hosted their second annual Walk-a-thon, an event that not only raised funds for a worthy cause but also showcased the power of young minds to make a difference.

Inspiring Change, One Step at a Time

Putting Learning into Action

At Rosa Parks Elementary School, the students are not just learning the standard curriculum; they are also applying their knowledge to real-world situations. Britni Pascoe, a fourth-grade teacher, explains, "In my classroom, you learn all of our state standards and go through our curriculum, but you see real-world application in the process." By hosting the Walk-a-thon, the students are putting their literacy and math skills to good use, organizing and executing a successful fundraising event.

Rallying for a Cause

The goal of the Walk-a-thon was to raise $5,000 and collectively walk 560 miles for the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding critical childhood cancer research. Students were able to sign up to walk laps during the event, with each lap costing $1. In addition to the walking, the event also featured lemonade stands, bracelet making, cornhole, and a photo booth, all of which contributed to the fundraising efforts.

Inspired by a Classmate's Courage

The event holds special significance for the students, as it celebrates the resilience and inspiration of their classmate, Leanor Formo. Leanor was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in 2020 and has been an inspiration to her peers. Pascoe explains, "Leanor was in recovery and her mom asked if we could do something small for her at the school. I said, 'Well, we can do better than that.' We put it in the kids' hands, and they came up with the walk-a-thon idea last year."

Empowering Young Voices

The students themselves have been the driving force behind the event, taking ownership of the fundraising efforts and finding ways to support their classmate. Fourth-grader Jackson Campbell expressed the students' desire to help their peers, saying, "We really want to help [the kids] so they don't feel in danger anymore. We can save them. A lot of kids would get cured with medicine if all schools did this."

Building a Brighter Future

The Walk-a-thon not only raises funds for a crucial cause but also instills valuable lessons in the students. By engaging in hands-on learning and community service, the students are developing empathy, leadership, and a sense of civic responsibility. These skills will serve them well as they grow and become the leaders of tomorrow, poised to make a positive impact on the world around them.The success of the Rosa Parks Elementary School Walk-a-thon is a testament to the power of young minds and the transformative impact they can have when given the opportunity to make a difference. As the students continue to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, they are not only supporting their classmate but also inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and create a brighter future for all.