Mount Carmel‘s annual Walkathon is getting a new look this year combining fundraising with school spirit activities to create a more exciting experience for students. Traditionally the Walkathon has been one of Mount Carmel‘s biggest annual fundraisers, giving students the opportunity to raise money to help support the school. This year, however, the event included a short walk and intramural basketball championship, tug-of-war competitions, and a trip to Wrigley Field to watch the Mount Carmel baseball team play following a Chicago Cubs game.
According to MC teacher Mr. Daniel Haggerty, the changes began because of the baseball team’s opportunity to play at Wrigley Field on the same day as Walkathon.
“We figured why not just combine the two,” Mr. Haggerty said. “We wanted to create a pep rally atmosphere before that baseball game.”
Mr. Haggerty said the goal of the changes was to make the day more engaging while still keeping the fundraising tradition alive. “I hope that students find the day more exciting and engaging. I would love for it to become a celebration of the school community.”
The new name for the day was called Caravan Day as the whole school came together for a whole day to do activities as one. MC theology teacher Mr. John Stimler said it remains one of the school’s most important fundraisers.
“This is the one all-school fundraiser that helps close the gap between what students pay in tuition and what it actually costs to run the school,” Mr. Stimler said.
Mr. Stimler said one of the biggest challenges every year is making sure every student participates in fundraising. While some students raise money quickly, others need more encouragement.
“Getting everybody to participate is the biggest challenge,” Mr. Stimler said. “We still have students that are under the fundraising goal.” Despite those challenges this year’s Walkathon reached its fundraising goal earlier than expected. “We hit one hundred percent of the goal a week before the walk,” Mr. Stimler said. “That has not happened before.”
MC’s Senior Graphic Designer and Marketing Manager Ms. Eleanore Menke said the Walkathon is about more than raising money. The event helps build unity and school spirit.
“It is a celebration and we are all together, shoulder to shoulder with one another,” Ms. Menke said, adding that the event allows students to show their schools pride while supporting one another throughout the day. “One of the cooler things is everybody is cheering each other on. That kind of Mount Carmel spirit is absolutely on display.”
The addition of games and house competitions every year may also help strengthen the school’s new house system. Mr. Haggerty said he hopes future Walkathons continue to include competitive events that bring students together.
“I would love to pit the houses against one another in terms of who can raise the most money,” Mr. Haggerty said.
While the format may continue to evolve, the purpose of the Walkathon remains the same: supporting MC while celebrating the school community. With new events and increased student involvement this year‘s Walkathon could set the tone for the a future tradition.
