SF Eighth Graders to Walk for Two Causes

Spring-Ford eighth graders are going to participate in a Walk for a Cure on Friday during school. The event was organized and planned by the student government and proceeds will benefit suicide awareness and a cure for breast cancer.

To participate, students had to raise $20 through pledges. Participants will have to walk at least six laps around the track at Coach McNelly Stadium, which is situated between the and .

Eighth Grade Center student government advisor Jeff Mast said the program has come a long way since he took over 25 years ago.

"When I first started, kids weren't allowed to wear shorts to school," he said. "Student government got involved in that. We got a soda machine. We got recycling. We got rid of Styrofoam. We got presented at school board meetings. We were really involved in doing stuff like clash days, spirit days, twin days."

Over the last couple of years, though, Mast said the program had "been slacking off a bit."

"The kids would do a nice job running the election with their posters and campaigning, but when push came to shove, we weren't contributing much to the school and community," Mast continued. "So, early this year, after our elections, we had our first meeting in the beginning of October and I just happened to read about one of the local elementary schools raising money."

Mast said he thought it would be a good idea to organize a walk and the students and principle all agreed, deciding to employ the theme of the school district for 2011-12: Together.

"I know our [girls] basketball team piggybacked on that theme," said Mast, who is an assistant coach to the varsity team. "So, we used that theme for this walk. Together, we can raise some money for two good causes: suicide awareness and the race for a cure [breast cancer]."

Aside from the walk, Mast said there are other fun activities for the kids to participate in during the 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. extravaganza. will be there, and kids can grab some pretzels, drinks and other snacks. The Spring-Ford band will play at the event, as well.

Events that kids can participate in include a Frisbee-field goal competition, a Wiffle Ball homerun derby, two man wheelbarrow race, and Simon Says.

"And we have support for the community as far as supplying us with pizzas and shirts from the gyms and things like that that we're going to give out as prizes," Mast said. "I hope Mother Nature cooperates."

The rain date for the walk is on May 30, and if it also rains that day, the Eighth Grade Center's gymnasium will be the site of the walk.

"The intention was for the kids to work together for a worthwhile cause, have a little fun in the process, and be able to give something back to the community," said Mast. "That's what we're trying to do."