The entire student body of St. Gabriel School in Concord Township laced up their shoes and walked with their families this week a virtual walkathon. The school’s spirit of fitness, community and fun prevailed despite the coronavirus health crisis and unseasonably cold weather.
The school community was determined to keep its promises to the students and sponsors who helped raise almost $45,000 since late January. The community-building event raised more than $645,000 in the last 14 years which funded numerous capital improvements including classroom sound systems, updated restrooms, technological advancements for improved building safety and personal devices for every student.
This year, the money raised will be used toward the Extreme Home Makeover: Grizzly Edition to make building improvements at St. Gabriel.
The 2020 walkathon also has both virtual and safe personal elements. Students are logging miles and sending their walking pictures in to be used in a video that will thank and recognize sponsors. There is a contest on how many Grizzly Miles will be logged. The event included a drive-through parade with teachers safely located around the perimeter to greet their students. May 15 will be the watch party day when the school can view the video from home and send it to sponsors to thank them for their support.
The walkathon also celebrates the artistic talent of eighth-grader Belle Langer, who designed the logo illustrating the Extreme Home Makeover: Grizzly Edition theme. Her art inspired the final design on the letterhead and will be used throughout the video.
This event also has a spirit of stewardship. During the parade, the student body will donate non-perishable food to St. Benedict School in Cleveland, which has families in great need.
“We are blessed, said Father Fred Pausche, St. Gabriel pastor. “We want to not only share our blessings with those in need, but show our youth to do the same in the spirit of Jesus’ love.”
“I am grateful for the generous support of the community in sponsoring our students in this walkathon," said Ann Ulrich, St. Gabriel principal. “We owe it to the community, our sponsors and to our families to bring God’s light and still celebrate, even under the circumstances. This event has had such a positive impact and has empowered our students to realize what a difference they can make at their own school and out in the community helping others. When we work side by side and do a little, together we can make a big difference -- even in hard times,” Ulrich said. “I can’t wait to see the students’ smiles at the parade. We miss them so much,” she added.
For more information about St. Gabriel School, call 440-352-6169, go to St-GabrielSchool.org or visit the school’s Facebook page.