By J1 Reporter Shelby Woodard

In light of recent events regarding Walk-A-Thon, it is important to remember the purpose that WAT serves and how it impacts real people’s lives. In the midst of all the competition between grades, the true meaning of WAT tends to get lost. At its very core, WAT is simply about helping others. Student Board co-moderator Ms. Jessica Abel has no problem discussing the true meaning of WAT. “WAT is truly an act of service. At the end of the day, we should be able to be happy for doing something good for each other,” Abel said. WAT is about providing girls with an opportunity to attend Marian and participate in the sisterhood it provides. 

Last month, Marian’s annual student-led fundraiser raised 140% of the school’s goal, totaling $150,093. To many students, that money is simply just a colorful number on a big black sheet of paper. To aspiring Marian girls, however, that money is an opportunity to attend a prestigious college-preparatory school. 

While the money raised during WAT does assist girls in need of tuition assistance, it also impacts every girl who attends Marian. “Without Walk-A-Thon, every single girl would pay at least $1,000 more in tuition,” Abel said. 

So, when you’re baking up a storm for your class’s bake sale, setting up lemonade stands in the middle of every wealthy neighborhood, or going door-to-door to bring in that cash, remember that your actions have a direct impact on real people’s lives. Every penny raised in WAT goes back to the students.