7th Annual Walk for Education a Success

The 7th Annual Walk for Education was held last weekend at the Tewksbury Memorial High School track. Despite the chilly temperatures, the sun was shining and the walkers were circling the track.

More than 400 people turned out for this joint fundraiser for the Dewing and North Street Elementary Schools.

Whether parents pushed children in strollers, moms jogged, or preschool students walked holding a parent’s hand, the Walk A Thon provided a family-friendly event that draws a large crowd and focused on exercise, family and community. TSDI was on hand to provide a martial arts demonstrations and high-fives to the walkers, Tammy’s Dance Connection entertained on the infield with a choreographed dance, and DJ Jaryd Palmer provided the great beat to which all the walkers paced their stride.

Some walkers of note include Abigail Downing, a second grader at the Dewing who walked a total of 50 laps which is 12.5 miles. She walked the most laps of any student at the Dewing. She was determined from the start to walk all 50 laps as she had never done that many before. She stopped for lunch, but only sat down for 5 minutes before heading back out to the track to complete her goal.

The North Street had three fourth graders who wanted to finish together with 53 laps each. Peter Impink, Michael Gaglione & Cole Evangelista were the top finishers for all of North Street. The dedication they had to each other was truly inspiring. One of the boys came to the event late and caught up to his friends so they could finish as a team. They didn’t care about sharing a prize. They just wanted to finish together. Truly a testimony to their friendship.

The students & siblings of the Dewing and North Street walked approximately 509.25 miles. That’s like walking to Piscataway High School in New Jersey and back. If parent laps were included in the count, the event walkers covered over 600 miles!

This event would not be possible without the volunteers and donors who help put together a quality event. The organizers would like to thank the following businesses who donated good and prizes to the event as well as the PAC members and spouses who helped. Their support of our schools and community is deeply appreciated: Wamesit Lanes, DJ Jaryd Palmer, Roller Kingdom, Cowabunga, The Butterfly Place, Orange Leaf, Altitude, New England Aquarium, MVP, Discovery Museums, Oasis Day Spa, Tewksbury Credit Union, Joe’s Hot Dogs, Perault Creations, Donna’s Donuts, Stop & Shop Andover, Tammy’s Dance Connection and The Self Defense Institute.

Courtesy Photos (from left to right):

• Dewing Assistant Principal Jan Fuller was checking lap cards for the kids. Many staff volunteered to help at the event.

• Dewing Principal Terry Gerrish and North Street Principal Angela Kimble, along with Dewing teacher Beth Daley were on hand to greet and cheer on student walkers.

• Dewing PAC Chair Nicole Downing and North Street PAC Chair Carolyn Gaglione checked people in to the event.

• Walkers received high fives from TSDI along the route.

• Alexia and Christine Chesbrough provided face painting for the kids.

• Arthy Bennett and Sharon Pierce of the Tewksbury Education Foundation promoted the upcoming Auction for Education, November 20 at the Tewksbury Country Club.

• DJ Jaryd Palmer and the Crew provided the music to keep all the walkers motivated.