EAST GREENWICH — The annual Our Lady of Mercy School Walkathon, which was held on Thursday, Oct. 5, raised a record amount of more than $15,000, which will be used towards special projects throughout the school. Students in Grades Pre-K through 2 walked just under a mile around the immediate church/school property while the older students walked a two-mile route through the surrounding neighborhood. Students collected pledges from family and friends, with prizes being awarded to the top pledge-earners in each grade.
Before and after the walk, students, parents and faculty were treated to high fives from “Hope Man,” Rhode Island’s own Super Hero who visits schools, hospitals and charity events, spreading a message of hope throughout the state. Created by former OLM student, Attorney Kevin Murphy, and supported by his three brothers, Jay, Brian and Dan, all of whom were OLM students and have children currently enrolled at OLM School, Hope Man represents an organization called Hope Actions Inc., which has produced comic books, a YouTube web series, and the superhero’s costume itself.
At the conclusion of the walk, students enjoyed an outdoor awards assembly with water and snacks. A grand prize basket containing a $150 Gift Card to Dick’s Sporting Goods and an additional card to Pizza Heaven was won by PreK3 Student Jacob Maligaya. As the prize also included the privilege of being “PE Teacher for the Day” with OLM Phys Ed teacher David Stefanik, Jacob will share those duties with his big brother Matthew at a later date.
Funds raised each year by the OLM PTG, from events like the Walkathon and the annual Spring Fling Auction, are used for various enrichment opportunities like field trips, Google Chrome Books and technology enhancements, the Art Masters Program, robotics, CAL sports and more.
