St. Cyril Students Walk in Memory of Former Principal

Students at in Lemont paid tribute to a former principal Friday during the seventh annual Waller Walkers Walk-a-thon.

Barbara Waller served as the principal of St. Cyril for four years before losing a battle with breast cancer in 2006. That same year, the Mothers' Club organized a walk-a-thon in her honor to raise money for school supplies and technology.

Students collect pledges prior to the event—either lump sums or per lap. They each walk for about 45 minutes with their faith partner, tallying their laps as they go.

Kathy Tomaszewski, a member of the Mother's Club, said the event is one of the school's biggest fundraisers. Last year, students raised $20,000, and as of Tuesday they were on track to bring in nearly $24,000.

"It is a great day when the students of our school obtain pledges from parents, neighbors, family and friends as they walk to support our school," Tomaszewski said.

Some of the event's biggest supporters are Waller's husband, Wayne, and their four children. Wayne and his daughter, Heather, were on hand Friday afternoon to pass out popsicles and cheer on the students.

"We always love coming back to St. Cyril and supporting the walk-a-thon," Heather Waller said. "It really supports my mother's vision of scholarship and community. It's a great tribute to her."

Wayne Waller said the event has come to mean a great deal to his family.

"By coming back year after year, it's like we still have a little piece of her," he said. "And I enjoy coming back to see the kids. They're learning the importance of going beyond yourself and doing things for your school and community."

St. Cyril Principal Shirley Tkachuk said the money from the walk-a-thon will go toward the purchase of iPads and other technology needs.

"We work with the Mother's Club each year to determine the specific needs of our students," Tkachuk said. "We're very grateful for their support."

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