500 elementary students & teachers participate in Blackhawk Walk
Sheridan Elementary School (SES) held its annual Blackhawk Walk last week. This fundraising event was a great success according to SES Principal Valerie Roberts.
The event is organized by the SES PTO and this year raised over $10,000. Roberts gave special thanks to PTO officers Maleana Wittbrod, Katy Gould, Lauren Lewis, and Jason and Bev Rumph.
Roberts explained that the derivation of the Blackhawk Walk goes back a few years when it was decided that SES wanted to do hold a fundraiser that was safer and more fun than traditional door to door sales. Each year a different theme is chosen. For instance, “Superheroes” was the theme during the pandemic, as a tribute to healthcare workers. This year’s theme was “Better Together.”
All 500 students from SES participated in the event, as well as teachers. Each day of the week students walked two laps around the playground before each recess to enjoy better health, walking with a buddy, and raising money that is used for student activities throughout the year.
All proceeds raised go directly towards PTO sponsored activities, such as Doughnuts with Grown-Ups, Pastries with Pals, family game nights, educational convocations, Teacher Appreciation Week activities, and the end of the year carnival. The fundraising goal each year has been set at $10,000, and most years, Roberts explained the goal has been met. She commented that as of last Thursday evening, they were only at $5,000, making her doubt making it this year.
“Somehow our families and community always come through,” Roberts said, “and by Friday afternoon before we left for fall break we went over $10,000!”
Roberts concluded, “This is the best fundraiser ever! It gets our students outside and walking, talking, and having fun! We are so grateful to our families, community, and PTO for the endless support they have provided to us through the years. We are so fortunate to live in such a giving community that truly puts the needs of our students first!”