Nov. 12, 2018 ~ Carrying gallons of water, seventh-grade students at Frontier Trail Middle School were determined to make a difference in the world. At the end of a cross-curricular unit which centered around the novel “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park, students wanted to help people in Sudan by raising money for Water for South Sudan, an organization that helps to deliver sustainable water wells, hygiene education and sanitation to communities in the nation of South Sudan.

Social studies teachers Jamey Borchers, Tammy Colburn-Enochs and Hannah Mead helped students by collaborating with teachers at California Trail Middle School and providing assistance in organizing a Walk-A-Thon.

On Oct. 26, students participated in a Walk-A-Thon during their social studies class period. Students collected change during their homeroom period and asked family and close friends to donate for each lap they completed. While walking laps, students carried gallons of water similar to Nya, a character in the novel.

An initial goal set by students was to raise $5,000. At time of this story’s publication, more than $6,000 has been raised. As additional motivation, schools that raise more than $1,000 are entered to win a visit from Salva Dut, founder of Water for South Sudan.

“I’m so proud of our students for setting a goal, surpassing their goal, and organizing a fundraiser that will have a lasting impact in Sudan,” said Frontier Trail Principal Rod Smith.

(Photo: Several seventh-grade girls from Frontier Trail Middle School took a quick break in the walk-a-thon to raise money for Water for South Sudan.)