On Tuesday, May 20, Arrowhead Elementary proudly welcomed the ALS Ride for Life as one of the official stops on its annual journey. The event honors the legacy of Chris Pendergast, who founded the ride in 1997 to raise awareness and funds for ALS research and patient support.
In the weeks leading up to the visit, Arrowhead students, staff and families demonstrated incredible generosity and school spirit. Led by Mrs. Gina Schwarz’s fourth grade class, Mrs. Melissa Swart and Mrs. Christine Callan’s pre-K Enrichment classes, and school social worker Mrs. Judy Forgione, students raised $2,300 through a series of spirited fundraisers and an online donation campaign.
Fundraising activities included two February spirit days, “Dream of a Cure for ALS” and “Strike Out ALS,” as well as a May sale of ice pops and ALS bracelets. ALS facts and messages about teamwork, May’s character trait of the month, were shared during morning announcements to reinforce the cause.
Earlier in the year, Arrowhead hosted an inspiring “Overcoming Adversity” assembly for students in grades 4-6. ALS patient Jordan Tarazi and members of the Ride for Life team shared their stories, promoting resilience, empathy and perseverance.
During the May 20 visit, students and staff lined the bus circle holding banners and posters, wearing Yankees gear or school spirit wear in honor of Lou Gehrig and the Ride’s founder. The symbolic pinwheels displayed across the campus served as a tribute to Chris Pendergast’s words, “There’s a cure blowin’ in the wind.”
Arrowhead’s dedication to the ALS cause reflects the strength of its community and its commitment to making a difference – one step, one student, one story at a time.