Lakewood Catholic Academy Faculty Members Take Cross-Town Trek To Promote "International Walk To School Day"

Ahead of the official “International Walk to School Day” event on Wednesday, October 3, three LCA faculty members planned a cross-town walk from their east-side homes to the school in Lakewood on Friday, September 28. The expected  6- 7 hour trek was documented via Twitter by the walkers, LCA Principal Mike Fletcher and teachers Dan Castrigano and Mike Soderquist. The trek was planned to encourage participation and build excitement for the actual event on October 3, when students and families are encouraged to walk or bike to school. Event chairperson Marianne Quasebarth reports that the school has had nearly 300 LCA participants in each of the past two years it has taken part in the event.

While the teachers were walking on September 28, other teachers back at the school updated students on their progress and created lessons related to the journey including math problems to calculate the group’s estimated arrival time and history lessons about Cleveland landmarks. When the group arrived on campus, around 2:00 p.m., many classes gathered in the gymnasium to greet and welcome the cross-town walkers to school.

On October 3, as students arrive to school on the official event date, they will be met by event organizers and volunteers who will pass out “International Walk to School” stickers to all participants. Students also have the chance to win raffle prizes, like pedometers.

International Walk to School day is an annual event that promotes physical activity, teaches safe pedestrian and bicycling skills, highlights the walkability of a city like Lakewood, reduces traffic congestion, pollution and speed near schools and encourages family time. 

Lakewood Catholic Academy is a private, Catholic, co-educational elementary school in Lakewood, OH – a western suburb of Cleveland – serving students from preschool age through grade eight.

For further information, please contact Mary Ann Campbell, LCA Director of Advancement, at (216) 521-0559 ext. 3041 or visit the school’s website at www.lakewoodcatholicacademy.com.