Jefferson’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s a Success

Jefferson Primary School’s recent “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” was a rousing success. The initiative was spearheaded by the third grade leadership team to raise awareness of a terrible disease along with funding to help those suffering from it and the people caring for them.

Students walked countless laps around Jefferson’s traffic circle while music blared and cheerleaders helped kept spirits high with handmade signs offering encouragement.

Third grade leadership team faculty advisors, Dr. Kathleen Ozimkowski and Julie Dooher and the youngsters who comprise the team worked hard to make the walk something that everyone there will never forget

“Our amazing Jefferson Jaguars have done it again,” Jefferson Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide said. “Even when ‘raindrops kept falling on our heads’ our Jaguars shined!  They have made their mighty voices be heard: ‘There needs to be a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and we want to help!’”

“Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association. “Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.”

It’s estimated that 6.5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. The figure is expected to double to 13 million by 2050.

Students that chose to participate in the event marched around the traffic circle for 30 minutes. The various grade levels in the building were schedule at different times of the morning and afternoon to provide everyone with plenty of room. The cheerleaders were a welcome presence and they seemed to take delight in their responsibilities.

New Huntington UFSD Superintendent Beth McCoy stopped by the walk along with Deputy Superintendent Christopher Hender and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rubie Harris.

Organizers noted the “amazing energy” coming from everyone, including the building’s pre-kindergarten students. “Our Jaguars indeed made it clear that small people can do great things,” Dr. Ozimkowski said.