OLM WALKATHON RAISES A RECORD OVER $15,000,

FUNDS USED FOR PROJECTS LIKE TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL

 

The Annual OLM School Walkathon, which was held on Thursday, October 5, raised a record of over $15,000, which will be used towards special projects throughout the school.  Students in Grades Pre-K through 2 walked just under a mile around the immediate church/school property while the older students did a two mile route through the surrounding neighborhood.  Students collected pledges from family and friends, with prizes being awarded to the top pledge-earners in each grade.

Before and after the walk, students, parents and faculty were treated to high fives from “Hope Man”,  Rhode Island’s own Super Hero who visits schools, hospitals and charity events, spreading a message of hope throughout the state.  Created by attorney Kevin Murphy and his brothers Jay, Bryan and Daniel, all OLM families, Hope Man represents an organization called Hope Actions, which has produced comic books, a YouTube web series and the Super Hero’s costume itself.  For more information on Hope Man, visit  www.hopeactions.org.

At the conclusion of the walk, students enjoyed an outdoor awards assembly with water and snacks.  A grand prize basket containing a $150 Gift Card to Dick’s Sporting Goods and an additional card to Pizza Heaven was won by PreK3 Student Jacob Maligaya.  As the prize also included the privilege of being “PE Teacher for the Day” with OLM Phys Ed teacher David Stefanik, Jacob will share those duties with his big brother Matthew at a later date.  Eighth grader Aidan Skidds won the second prize raffle basket which included a four-person pass to Showcase Cinema,  a Pizza Heaven gift certificate and a $25 Clementine’s gift certificate.  Students who brought in the highest amount in pledges received OLM tote bags filled with gift cards to Clementine’s ice cream and Pizza Heaven, both in East Greenwich, as well as some books and keepsakes from Hope Man.  Class individual winners included: PK3: Susanne Mita ; PK4: Luca Berube and Marcello Chianese K: Grace Seger 1:Lola Berube; 2: Helen Mita; 3: Brooke Rutherford; 4: Griffin Cooper; 5: Jack Colgan; 6: Brandon Santurri; 7: Austin Kairnes; 8: Ryan Youngs.

Funds raised each year by the OLM PTG, from events like the Walkathon and the annual Spring Fling Auction, are used for various enrichment opportunities like Field Trips, Google Chrome Books and technology enhancements, the Art Masters Program, robotics, CAL sports and more.

With a tradition of excellence in Catholic elementary and middle school education since 1951, Our Lady of Mercy School offers its students an opportunity to pursue excellence in academics, athletics and the arts on their journey as young saints and scholars. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Pre-K through Grade 8, co-educational Catholic school located in East Greenwich provides a nurturing, values-driven environment built upon the teachings of the Catholic Church.