Gen. Smallwood students walk, raise money for Relay For Life

Games, cotton candy, prizes and more

General Smallwood Middle School found a novel way to raise money for cancer research while also encouraging exercise and having fun.

Smallwood students recently donated $5 to participate in a fundraiser Walk-A-Thon, during which participants walked four laps — approximately 1 mile — around the field in front of the school. Each lap was marked off on a card by a staff member.

When students had completed their four laps, they qualified for free cotton candy and snow cones outside the front of the school, which had been transformed into a carnival midway.

In addition, students could participate in a number of fun games — including a bean bag toss, hula hoop toss, ring toss and bottle flip — for the chance to win a number of prizes.

The event was put together by Smallwood special education instructional assistant, Carrie Parent, the school’s Relay for Life coordinator.

Parent said the idea was to give students who could not participate in the upcoming Charles County Relay for Life an opportunity to help raise money to fight cancer.

“We figured this is something all grades could participate in, and I wanted to combine it with a carnival, so that the kids could enjoy themselves a little bit more than just walking,” Parent said.

Smallwood Principal Kathy Kiessling commended the students for taking part in the event.

“They’re getting their exercise and they’re doing it for a good cause,” Kiessling said.

Relay for Life is an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, a national nonprofit that raises funds for cancer research, cancer awareness and support for individuals battling cancer. The Charles County Relay takes place beginning at 6 p.m. June 9 at the Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairground Road, La Plata.

Parent said a number of students have approached her and asked what they can do to help.

“It has really pulled us all in together to realize what Relay for Life is and what we can do to help support it,” Parent said. “It’s brought a lot of us together.”

General Smallwood Middle School seventh grader Christopher Arivella takes part in a hula hoop boot toss during the school’s Walk-A-Thon Friday.

Instructional Assistant Britney McCauley, right, assists 8th grade student Miranda Watson in selecting a prize at the Egg-ceptional Prize Table as part of General Smallwood Middle School’s Walk-A-Thon fundraiser.

STAFF PHOTOS BY JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU Students at General Smallwood Middle School took part in a WalkA-Thon Friday to help raise money and support for the Charles County Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Parent volunteer Mark Parent and General Smallwood Middle School teacher Samantha Proksch make cotton candy for students at the school’s Walk-A-Thon Friday.