Oh, what a night! The first annual district-wide “Charity Event” sports night was held on March 9 for students, staff and families. This collaborative effort to bring the schools and community together has been a vision of Superintendent Jill M. Gierasch, and an important Board of Education District Goal. By increasing family and community engagement, it is the hope of administration to develop greater partnerships by offering K-12 special events at programs like the fall Homecoming game half-time and pre-game carnival, and the first district-wide STEAM Night and Parent University Night. Looking ahead, it is the district’s hope to hold an “annual charity event” to continue to support these important partnerships.

The success of bringing the schools and community together for an amazing cause was truly inspiring as the crowds poured into the Ralph Whitney Field House. This sold-out fundraising event was in remembrance of Corey Phelan, son of Jr./Sr. High Physical Education /Health teacher, Chris Phelan, who lost his battle to cancer on October 12, 2022 to T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. While Corey was in and out of hospitals battling pediatric cancer, he had a vision to help families suffering the same fate. He promised to help these families by offsetting the financial burden so that they could dedicate and focus more time on their child. That promise was kept in a big way, because one of the most undeniable certainties about living in a small town is that we are a family. We come together and rally in times of need to help others. In many ways, CSH echoes the familiarity of “Cheers” where “everybody knows your name.” On behalf of his family, Chris Phelan thanked the community and his colleagues for the love and support he feels every day.

Superintendent, Jill M. Gierasch and Athletic Director, Mike Bongino (who was MC for the night) were overwhelmed by the response of colleagues and the community coming together for this event. Everywhere you looked kids were holding up signs to support their school, noise makers were clanking, conga lines sprang up, and smiles of joy and cheering were everywhere. Also apparent were the faces of fierce competitive focus (especially for the 4-way-pull tug of war, oh my!). The community was thrilled to come out and show their support and cheer on the friendly competition of staff from each of the four district buildings. Each team, wearing color-coded t-shirts, participated in a variety of games and events including relays, tug of war, scooter races, dance skits, egg toss and more! If you’re wondering which school won the friendly competition trophy, it was Goosehill Primary School. Don’t ever underestimate the little guys! The live DJ and food added to the excitement, fun and team spirit of this amazing night in Corey’s honor. Thank you to the entire district team who spearheaded this event, and all of the student ambassador volunteers who ensured a smooth evening of fun, we couldn’t have done it without you! Incredibly, over $11,000 was raised which will surely help to benefit those suffering, and for that…Corey would be so proud. In the words shared by Corey Phelan, “I hope no one has to go through what I have been through to see how beautiful life is, but I hope everyone is able to see how beautiful life is the way I see it.”

To learn more about the foundation go to https://www.coreyspromise.org