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Hundreds Turn Out for 12th Annual MS Walk
Westminster School hosted the annual MS Walk on April 22 for the 12th year in a row. Despite the cool weather, hundreds of people participated in the walk into downtown Simsbury and back. In addition to individual walkers, including many from the Westminster community, there were numerous teams: The MS Kateers, Peg Leg Pete’s, Robin’s Hood, The Sole Burners and Pam’s Posse.
Pam Aseltine of New Hartford, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago and for whom approximately 25 walkers in Pam’s Posse were walking, said, “This is a harsh reality for me yet a beautiful statement of support. It inspires me.”
Just before the ribbon cutting outside the Jackson Hockey Rink at 9 a.m., exercise instructor Mary Root led everyone in vigorous stretching exercises, and Head Prefect Will Stevens ’12 and Headmaster Bill Philip gave welcoming remarks. Lauren Darnis ’12 sang the national anthem.
Twenty-seven Westminster faculty, staff and family members, and more than 100 students volunteered to help out with the day’s setup, operations and cleanup. The girls’ lacrosse team and others also painted signs one evening after dinner.
“It was great having the lacrosse and tennis teams help make the setup the quickest in 12 years,” said math teacher Jill Loveland, who serves as the walk’s coordinator. “Our captains did a wonderful job of raising awareness and getting donations. As a school, we raised more than $3,900.”
Jill was especially appreciative of her four volunteer coordinators: Josh Kokulis ’12, Jake Medina ’12, Emmet Shipway ’12 and Will Schmidt ’13. They served as committee members and met with the MS Society monthly throughout the year. They also organized volunteers on campus and ran a volunteer training session so everyone would be aware of their responsibilities on the day of the walk.
“Overall, I found a greater appreciation for Westminster's involvement with the surrounding community and was given a more in-depth look at the processes and hard work that are necessary to create a successful walk,” said Jake, who helped paint signs and create maps of the course. “I also had the opportunity to attend some of the committee meetings, which was a great learning experience. I am thankful to Westminster and Mrs. Loveland for the great opportunity to give back to the community.”
Will Schmidt '13 was also thankful for the experience. “After helping out Fourth Form year as a captain for my form, I realized how phenomenal this charity truly is,” he said. “Subsequently, I decided to increase my level of involvement in the walk in the hope that I would have a larger impact on its success. This year, I worked as a coordinator for the school and attended meetings leading up to the MS walk and then managed a large group of student volunteers during the walk itself. The experience was greatly rewarding as I was able to watch many classmates volunteer and help out during the walk, an example of involvement from Westminster students that represents our school community at its finest.”
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