Students at Corpus Christi Take Big Steps

By Brian Ahern, Corpus Christi parent

On Saturday, October 20th, students at Corpus Christi School took a big step in helping make their school an even better place. In fact, students took lots and lots of big steps to improve their school, both literally and figuratively. The 33rd annual Corpus Christi Walkathon was another smashing success. This year’s cowboy-themed event rounded up students and families alike to spend a day together building community bonds while raising money for the school.

The money raised in the event is used to upgrade technology in the school’s mobile labs, helping to buy laptops, iPads, LCD projectors, and upgraded microscopes for the Science Lab. The school also applies over half the funds for tuition assistance to help ensure families in need can remain vital parts of the school community. As well this year, the school hoped to raise enough to replace and upgrade the computers in the permanent computer lab. And, they look to be on track to improve upon their success from last year, which brought in over $34,000.

The event itself consists of a half-mile walking loop through the school’s beautiful surrounding Piedmont neighborhood. Hundreds of kids took part (this year, boasting an over 92 percent participation rate) and walked anywhere from a single lap to over 50.

In addition to providing a great outlet for the students to get a little exercise, the event itself helps new families make strides in getting to know other families throughout Corpus Christi, building a tighter sense of community amongst even the school’s newest members.

Corpus Christi Principal Katie Murphy said one of the great things about the Corpus Christi Walkathon is that “it is family oriented so kids can play at the carnival and everyone can enjoy a meal together.”

Along with enjoying a meal provided by the Corpus Christi Men’s Club, the carnival is filled with a host of traditional games that will take you back to your youth.  From a fishing booth, to games of chance, a cakewalk, and even a few games of skill, there’s something for kids of all ages. A crowd favorite is the dunk tank where teachers and the school’s beloved principal Katie Murphy happily make themselves a target. 

The neighbors are tremendously supportive and accommodating for the event, which is greatly appreciated by the entire school community. As well, the Piedmont Police provide support throughout the Walkathon course to help keep everyone safe and sound, ensuring everyone will be ready to go when the event rolls around again next year.

Tyler Barsi, a second grader at Corpus Christi, already can’t wait for the 2013 Walkathon, saying, “I love walking laps with my friends and playing all the carnival games —I even got to dunk my teacher Ms. Giusti twice!”

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