Students raise money for cancer research through Terry Fox School Run

Tim Brody - Editor

Students in Sioux Lookout joined students across Canada on Sept. 26 in honouring Terry Fox’s legacy, taking to the community’s streets to participate in the Terry Fox School Run to raise money for cancer research.
Students in grades one to eight at Sioux Mountain Public School took part in the run.
“The route took the students down to the old high school along Fair Street, then up Third Avenue and back around past the baseball diamonds. The junior students, grades one, two, three, did a shorter version, cutting through at Sioux North High School, SMPS teacher Connor Dixon shared.
“Several teachers watched videos with their classes about Terry Fox's legacy and what his foundation has done for cancer research.  All the students had stickers and wrote down who they were running for on them.  Many of them have had family members who have battled cancer.  It affects everyone,” Dixon commented.
Sacred Heart School kindergarten to grade 8 students participated in the run.
“The school walked together down 8th Avenue to Front Street with a police cruiser and an ambulance escorting us. The kindergarten students turned off at 6th Avenue to return to the school, the younger grades turned off at 5th Avenue to return to the school, most of the junior classes turned off at 3rd Avenue and the upper grades went all the way down Front Street to 1st Avenue, up to Fair Street and returned to the school,” shared teacher Cynthia O’Donovan.
Like at SMPS, students at SHS also learned more about Terry Fox prior to the run.
“Many classes watched Terry Fox videos about his life, goals, struggles and his legacy. Classes read biographies written about Terry Fox and how the Terry Fox Foundation began. Most classes engage in projects relating to Terry Fox, perseverance, courage, hope, supporting community; which all tie in with the Catholic Virtues,” O’Donovan said.
She added, “Many classes chose a fundraising goal and created a challenge for their teacher. If the goal is met, the teacher will have to complete the challenge at our upcoming Terry Fox Assembly.  In the past, some of the challenges have been: pie in the face, kiss a pig, tricycle races, makeovers and the ice bucket challenge, to name a few. Some students and teachers have also accepted the challenge of having their hair cut or their heads shaved.”
At Sioux North High School, participation in the run was optional, with everyone in the school being invited to take part.
Participating students walked down Third Avenue to King Street, across to First Avenue, then up Atwood Street and around the ball diamonds back to the school.
“Students raised money in homeroom classes, we had staff (Mr. Grant, Ms. McMaster and Ms. Hardeman) volunteer for the cause by being pied in the face by students raising money as a group,” shared teacher Michelle Graham, whose Leadership Class also organized a bake sale.
Staff at all three schools said things went well.
Graham commented, “We haven’t had a Terry Fox Run in years at the high school level. It was nice to get back into it, learn what we would change for next year and had the perfect weather for a nice fresh morning walk. There is nothing more Canadian than this legendary cause and should be a mandatory part of Ontario schools in my opinion. I am proud of our student body and we look forward to making it bigger next year!”
Dixon added, “It was perfect fall weather to get outside and walk or run around the community.  Many of the younger grades all stayed together as a class but the older students decided to run the loop.  I think that it went very well.  We represented Terry and his Legacy by getting out into the community and raising awareness and donations.”
“The students were excited to participate and walk for this great cause, recognizing the importance of the Walk,” O’Donovan added, concluding, “We wish to thank the OPP and ambulance service for joining us to ensure the safety of our students. We truly appreciate the support and generosity of our community and the efforts of the students who fundraised for the Terry Fox Foundation. Thank you to all who participated!”