Forest Hill CI runs for United Way

[attach]2774[/attach]The crowd waiting in Forest Hill Collegiate’s gymnasium erupted in cheers and applause on Oct. 29 as students participating in a 100-kilometre overnight relay from Barrie arrived home.

About 40 students at Forest Hill CI participated in the relay to raise money for United Way.

Their arrival at 9:30 a.m. was followed by a ceremony where students welcomed the runners.

“Thank you to everyone for your support and your spirit. Thank you to parents and staff — you’ve been unbelievable,” said Barb Aston, teacher at the school and organizer of the event.

Though the goal was to raise $10,000 for the United Way, the event was also held to commemorate Forest Hill teacher David Pekala, who passed away in June.

School principal Peggy Aitchison expressed her gratitude to everyone who honoured Pekala.

“Students approached me … after we lost Mr. Pekala to a very sudden death and said, ‘Lets give the Barrie run one more year in honour of Mr. Pekala’,” she said.

“So thank you to all you folks for all that you’ve done”.

The school raised over $15,000 for the United Way campaign, making this year one of the most successful. Aitchison said the event’s success comes from the positive reaction from students who took part in previous years.

“Students from two years ago told us they got to know people in a whole different way through that kind of overnight experience. So it’s a great bonding experience for the students who run.”