Jocelyn Aalborg and Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The spirit of community and camaraderie was evident at Mile High Academy’s (MHA) fifth annual Walk-A-Thon, October 6. This much-anticipated event had a special mission: to raise money for the school’s annual fund.
The initial target set for this academic year was $50,000 and was part of a broader goal to raise $250,000. These funds play a crucial role in providing financial assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to attend MHA. This year, 40% of MHA students benefit from this fund, highlighting its importance in making quality education accessible.
With hearts filled with enthusiasm, this year’s Walk-A-Thon not only met its $50,000 goal but soared beyond, raising over $53,000. The incredible success of this event can be attributed to the exceptional dedication of students, the unwavering support of parents, and the outpouring of generosity from the broader community.
One exceptional third-grade student, Madylin, embarked on a heartfelt mission to secure funds for her fellow students to attend MHA. With the help of her family, Madylin created a touching video and shared it with her friends and family. She shared her motivation, saying, “It was important to raise money because I would be sad if I couldn’t go to Mile High [Academy] because my parents didn’t have enough money. I would feel sad about other kids who couldn’t attend MHA either.”
Madylin aimed for an ambitious fundraising target of $5,000, and, though she fell just short of her goal, her unwavering dedication showed the remarkable commitment and generosity prevalent among MHA’s students.
“This event was so much fun, and I’m proud to be a part of it. Helping my friends come to MHA makes me feel happy and grateful,” she said.
This year, the Walk-A-Thon introduced an exciting new element by infusing color into the event, which was a tremendous hit among the participants. The school also implemented fundraising goals on a per-student and per-class basis. Students who raised $500 or more will enjoy an afternoon of indoor skydiving, while those reaching the $1,000 mark will experience a limousine ride to lunch and back. The classroom who raised the most money gets to enjoy a catered Chipotle lunch. Additionally, two all-school goals were met: at $35,000, staff will sport royal blue hair, and at $50,000, they will face being “slimed.”
In terms of laps walked, the students collectively completed an impressive 6,443 laps, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the cause. Despite chilly weather, the day was filled with enthusiasm and spirit as students also had the opportunity to explore various fun activity booths during well-deserved breaks.
Jocelyn Aalborg, MHA’s vice president of finance and development, expressed her immense pride in the event’s success. “Our annual Walk-A-Thon isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about building a tight-knit community that supports one another. Thanks to our wonderful community, dedicated students, and supportive parents, we’ve once again come together to make this event an extraordinary success!”
—Jocelyn Aalborg is the vice president of finance and development, and Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.
