Souhegan Staff Run to Commemorate Newtown Victims

Submitted by Souhegan High School:

On Sunday, April 14th, twenty Souhegan staff gathered at Gilford Elementary School with educators, schools, children, parents, as well as a community members from around the state to show their support and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. Each of the three teams of about seven staff members completed 26 miles – one mile for each of the 26 victims.  

All money raised was donated to the 26.4.26 Foundation, created out of an idea that became an inspirational movement in the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary on December 14th, 2012. The core mission of 26.4.26 is to develop, implement, and if needed, fund schools appropriately in order to begin pilot programs that involve athletics, activities, team building, and positive social interaction among our youth.

Souhegan staff member, Rich Bergskaug, who helped spearhead the Souhegan participation, felt the presence of the children throughout the run. “Each of us ran for a child. We had his or her name on a card pinned to our shirts and as we ran we were reminded of them at each mile marker.”

Participating teachers include: Kathy Maddock, Terry Berna, Jess Tremblay, Sarah Hooper-Barbato, Melissa Dumaine, Amy Lashua, Kim Theriault, Kathy Earley, Ryan Lemieux, Betsy Wallisch, Beth Dunham, Megan Burd, Nancy Kutcher, Rich Bergskaug, Dave Jasinski, Jon Ingram, Tony Doucet, Tim Cotreau, John Smith.