Stewart Manor Marathon Benefits American Cancer Society

Stewart Manor Marathon Benefits American Cancer Society

Stewart Manor School students in grades 4-6 dressed in all shades of pink when they participated in the school’s annual Prediction Marathon on Oct. 20.

The marathon, a three-quarter-mile run through the school neighborhood that ended at Stewart Manor Country Club, promoted fitness and academics in addition to serving as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Physical Education teacher Peter
Kaczenski coordinated the event. He said students practiced running in physical education class and predicted how long it would take to make the trek, prior to the run, so their predictions could be compared to their marathon-day results.

“I want children to apply what they learn in class into their everyday lives” Kaczenski said. “Hopefully our students transfer the fun of this event into their own healthy lifestyle for years to come.”

Students in grades K-2 also joined the fun and were positioned along the route on various street corners with their teachers, cheering the runners on with pink pompoms in hand. The school community has raised $2,335 for the American Cancer Society through pledges and the sale of pink bracelets, bandanas, pins, socks and other items made available at the school’s Pink Cafe. According to Student Council adviser Samantha DeFalco, donations are still being collected.

American Cancer Society representative Chris Falzarano was in attendance at the event and applauded students on their outstanding effort.

Photo captions:

1. Fourth-grader Angelina O’Bryant stretched along with classmates before the event.

2. Sixth-graders Kaitlyn Albrektsen, Arista Kakaounakis, Lauren Brown and Brianna Navarro wore matching bandanas, which were sold as part of the school’s fundraising effort.

3. Fifth-graders Isaiah Walters (left) and William Finch (right) ran alongside Assistant Principal Richard Mansfield.

4. Fifth-grade teacher Karen Moculeski (left) is pictured with her class before the race.

5. Kindergartners John McCann and Rylee Jones cheered for the upper elementary students during the marathon.

6. Pre K student Rebecca Kightlinger shook her pompom as students ran by her class.

7. Physical Education teacher Pete Kaczenski ran with students during the Prediction Marathon.