Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School
For the past seven years, the students at Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School, located in Chicago's south suburbs, have held an annual walk-a-thon benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. The annual event, organized by the dedicated Student Council, was founded in memory of a former student. Brad Pipala was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently granted his wish of owning a fishing boat. This wish raised Brad's spirits and allowed him to feel happiness and joy with his friends and family, despite his diagnosis.
Brad eventually lost his battle with cancer, but his memory lives on and many other children are able to experience a wish because of the tremendous efforts of students, teachers and community members. Knowing how much the Foundation meant to Brad and his family was reason enough for the students and faculty to begin supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. As a kick-off event for the walk-a-thon, Oak Lawn recently held its fourth annual volleyball tournament, with proceeds benefitting the Foundation. The Oak Lawn Police and Fire Departments join each year not only to participate in the volleyball tournament, but also on the day of the walk-a-thon to support the students and faculty.
As a result of their continued success, the Village of Oak Lawn officially proclaimed the third Friday in May as "Make-A-Wish Day" in Oak Lawn. In the week following the walk-a-thon, the school hosts an assembly to which they invite the families of the children whose wishes are sponsored through the funds raised. Not only does this assembly impact these families, but it also has a lasting impression on the students, as they are able to see first-hand the outcome of their hard work. The school has raised in excees of $231,000, more than any other Illinois school, for the Make-A-Wish Foundation to date.
"Not only have we granted the wishes of many children, but we have also granted our wish for our students - that they reach out to those in need with compassion and support," said Teresa Loch, event organizer and staff member of Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School. "Our students have demonstrated a concern of their fellow man which we hope they will carry forward into the future."
More than 10,000 children have been granted a wish by the Illinois Chapter
