Remi Poliquin
Counsel
Finish it Like Terry!
by Julie Liebman
The spirit of community was alive at St. Patrick Elementary and Edgewater Elementary on October 1 as students and staff from both schools came together for their 9th annual joint Terry Fox Run.
The long-standing tradition brings the two Pincourt schools together each year to honour Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope while celebrating the importance of perseverance, compassion and community.
The morning began with students from St. Patrick making their way to Edgewater Elementary, where the day’s festivities took place. Students, staff and special guests then gathered outdoors for an opening assembly that included a land acknowledgment, the singing of the national anthem and a reflection on Terry Fox and the legacy of his courageous cross-Canada run.
The Ballad of Terry Fox song was also played, setting the tone for a morning that was both meaningful and celebratory. Pincourt Mayor Claude Comeau joined the school community for the event, helping to mark the importance of bringing local schools and the wider community together for such a special tradition.
“This year marks Edgewater’s 9th annual Terry Fox event with St Patrick Elementary and it has been such a pleasure bringing our two school communities together each year for such an important cause,” says Edgewater Phys. Ed teacher, Teresa Borelli.
“Cancer is something that has touched the lives of so many of us, which makes coming together to support cancer research and help fight this terrible disease so meaningful. Seeing our students, families, staff and communities come together year after year is truly special.”
Before the run got underway, the Edgewater Dance Team got everyone warmed up, leading students and staff in an energetic dance that had the crowd moving and smiling.
Following the assembly, students took to the course for the Terry Fox Run. The younger students ran laps around the school track, while the older students had the opportunity to run through a section of nearby streets that had been blocked off with the support of the Pincourt Fire Department.
With students of all ages participating, the run was a wonderful display of school spirit and collective effort.
The students’ commitment to Terry Fox’s cause has also translated into an impressive fundraising effort. Together, St. Patrick and Edgewater set a goal of raising $10,000 for cancer research. As of the day of the run, they had already surpassed their goal, raising an incredible $11,179.
Of course, no Terry Fox Run would be complete without a little fun. After completing their run, students were given the chance to soak their Phys. Ed. teachers with water, creating plenty of laughter and excitement to finish the morning.
The event wrapped up with juice boxes generously provided by the schools’ Home and School organization.
For St. Patrick and Edgewater, the Terry Fox Run is about much more than running. It is a cherished annual tradition that gives students the opportunity to learn about Terry Fox’s remarkable determination while coming together as a community to celebrate his legacy.
And with their fundraising total already exceeding their goal, the students are continuing to demonstrate that when two school communities come together, they can make a meaningful difference.
