Tribute craft
FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDENS, 1777 E. BROAD ST.
614-715-8000, www.fpconservatory.org
Learn about Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones by making traditional Day of the Dead crafts, such as calavera-skull scratch art.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
included with conservatory admission of $7 to $14
Eight years have passed since Molly O’Connor and Dante Landolfi organized a race in remembrance of women they loved who died of ovarian cancer.
As fourth-graders at Barrington Elementary School in 2009, the students were central to a November effort that attracted 900 runners and raised $23,000 for ovarian cancer research and treatment.
Though the 5K and onemile fun run — playfully dubbed “Beat Michigan! Beat Cancer!” because of its proximity to the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game — only happened once, the 17-year-olds haven’t forgotten the experience.
“I don’t really remember anything from third or fourth grade except for this race, so I think that says something,” O’Connor said. “It showed me what a strong sense of community Upper Arlington has.”
Now seniors at Upper Arlington High School, the pair are bringing the fundraiser back— and they’re mobilizing fourth-graders at Barrington to help.
For their senior capstone project, the high-school students are working closely with the youngsters to plan all the details of this Saturday’s race at Jones Middle School. All proceeds will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research and Education in Gynecology Fund at the James Cancer Hospital.
Since the start of the school year, 51 students across two fourth-grade classes have spent a few days a week during class and even time outside of school to organize the race. They’ve split into 11 committees to, for instance, solicit sponsors, make yard signs and craft buckeye necklaces and other items to sell on race day.
“You never know what kids can do until you give them a chance,” said Katie Benton. She and Kari Warkentin are fourth-grade teachers at Barrington. “They’re getting to use all these important skills that they need to succeed.”
Benton was O’Connor’s teacher in third grade when the young girl’s mother,