Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
TURNER — A beloved social studies teacher at Leavitt Area High School has been diagnosed with brain cancer, and the Leavitt Running Club will be stepping up to give back to a man who has meant so much to so many.
Pasquale Bifulco, a graduate of Edward Little High School in Auburn, who has taught at Leavitt for 20 years, has been undergoing treatment for his condition, and while he is fighting that battle, students and staff at Leavitt have been brainstorming ways to raise money to help the family as they focus on his health.
The Leavitt Running Club, with a history of giving back to the community, will host “Pasquale’s Walk” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m. at Leavitt Area High School, 21 Matthews Way. Ava Petrin, a sophomore and running club member, rallied the Leavitt Running Club to discuss ways to help the Bifulco family and the idea of “Pasquale’s Walk” was born. Club members shared the idea with the larger Leavitt community and held a planning meeting to launch the event. Students, staff and local community members are working together to show their support for the family and to raise funds during Leavitt’s Homecoming Weekend. This 5K walk is free, but donations are encouraged.
The Leavitt Running Club is “more than just running,” noted health and wellness teacher Georgia Vallee. “It is a group that truly inspires community spirit and ‘giving back’ to help others.” Nearly two years ago, a group of teens at Leavitt Area High School set a goal to run a marathon as a result of a conversation about the importance of goals and building resiliency during Vallee’s Wellness 2 class. Students prepared finisher medals and sold raffle tickets, she recalled. The group of eight not only finished the half-marathon, but also inspired others to set and strive for goals as well. One of their activities has been volunteering at the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn.
“No matter the distance, The Leavitt Running Club members learned that sticking with a goal takes dedication, hard work and sacrifice,” Vallee stressed. “They also learned how crucial the support of others was in their ultimate success, whether it be an encouraging word, doing an extra walk break, sharing sports drinks or giving each other rides to and from the early Sunday morning runs.”
For more information about Pasquale’s Walk and how to participate, sign up or help in any way, go to the Leavitt Running Club Facebook page, www.facebook.com/leavittrunningclub or contact Vallee at Leavitt Area High School, 207-225-1100.
