Students at Royalview Elementary rally around a classmate
By Patricia Nugent
Remember the old adage, “When the going gets tough the tough get going”? It’s alive and well this school year at Royalview Elementary in Willowick.
In September, fourth-grader Miya was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She’s been undergoing treatment and her mother has not been able to work since the diagnosis. Although the news was initially devastating, Miya and her family soon found out they were not alone.
Her fellow Royalview students expressed interest in supporting their friend, and an energetic group of past and present teachers pitched in to come up with a creative way for them to help. Joining Laura Parsons in those leading the charge were Barb Zenz, Amy Belevice, Connie Heckman, Angela Cox, John Rascan, Debbie Stankus, Brianna Bezeredi and several members of the office staff.
Together they created the “Change for Miya” Spirit Week, which culminated in a Pig Race featuring nine-inch mechanically activated pigs that had been part of a past charity effort at the school. All 750 students from Royalview were encouraged to participate. At each grade level, the classroom that brought in the most dollars won a pig to enter into the race, which they decorated and named.
Laura says to spread awareness, students decorated and hung flyers and posters around the school for Spirit Week.
“Each day, students were encouraged to wear themed clothes and with their family’s support, donate to the cause,” says Laura. “During announcements every day, the students listened to pig facts and jokes to create interest.
They ended up raising nearly $6,000 to give to Miya and her family. The Pig Race was held Friday, November 19.
“Royalview parents and students have always been amazingly giving in their support of our community and our school family,” says Laura. “The student body loved it and we thought it was a nice activity to raise awareness that families need to help each other when times can get tough.”
Look for these monthly stories to cover topics from grades K-12 in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools System. Find out more at WESchools.org.