Lincoln students take positive steps to combat breast cancer
 OCTOBER 21, 2009 - Nearly 800 Lincoln Middle School math students will be taking their current curriculum and applying it to a good cause when they participate in a breast cancer awareness walk around their school.
Students will meet at the track on the east end of the building and walk between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. Parents are welcome to attend the event.
Eighth-grade students have been studying linear equations and how they can be connected to walking, such as how far a kilometer is and determining distance relationships.
“They’ll not only learn about how far a kilometer is, they will become aware of a vital need in our community,” said English teacher Fred Zuroske, who organized the walk with math teacher Paul Stalter.
Students are collecting donations from family members, neighbors, churches and anyone else who would like to contribute. A similar walk last year raised $1,200 for the Walter Lawson Children’s Home. Lincoln students are trying to top that amount by raising $2,000 for this walk.
Breast cancer was chosen because it is an issue “near and dear to our hearts,” Stalter said. Eleven staff members in the last 15 years have been diagnosed with breast cancer at Lincoln; three have died from the disease.
Students will be collecting money throughout the weekend and will tally their earnings early next week. A representative from the Rockford School of Medicine is expected be on hand for a check presentation during a time yet to be determined.
Lincoln Middle School will also be receiving a $1,000 grant from a partnership between NFL PLAY 60 and the National Dairy Council, which allowed organizers to provide water and energy drinks during the walk. Other physical education programs will also be funded from the grant later in the year. NFL PLAY 60 is a national youth health and fitness campaign focused on increasing the wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day. |
