Jaywalk helps school jump hurdles

Fourth-grade students write in their day planners at Jesuit Middle School. Funds generated from the Jaywalk could go to a scholarship for a fourth or fifth grader.

By CHRISTINE GALT
Assistant News Editor

Get ready, Creighton: It’s time to start tying those tennis shoes and stretching those hamstrings.

The fourth annual Jaywalk will take place Saturday with registration at 7:30 a.m. and the run beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Over the past three years, the event has raised about $19,000 for Jesuit Middle School in Omaha.

The school is a non-profit organization, where all of the students have scholarships. The school, geared toward educating African-American males, wants to give its students the chance to receive a Jesuit education.

“I was very surprised to receive $5,000 the first year,” said Fr. James Michalski, president of Jesuit Middle School. “Our regular operational budget couldn’t afford to support putting in a wood floor and redoing the bleachers.”

Refurnishing the gym may not have been a necessity, but without support from the Jaywalk, the school would not have made these special changes.

“It’s a fun event,” said Molly Boyle, Creighton Students Union vice president for student affairs. “It brings the community together and unites the Jesuit schools in Omaha. It’s during Parents Weekend, so participants will get to experience the Creighton community and Jesuit unity.”

The 5K walk is not exclusive to the Creighton community, so all who would like to participate are welcome.

Boyle said CSU is expecting 600 participants Saturday, including returnees from last year’s Jaywalk.

“Last year I walked the 5K with my parents,” said Erin Ming, Arts & Sciences junior. “It was my first year doing it, and I was surprised by how many people came out. At the end of the race, I was really glad I had decided to do it because both my parents and I really enjoyed it.”

CSU is hoping to set a record this year, and Creighton Prep’s involvement has increased.

“We may use the money to have Creighton sponsor a kid this year,” Michalski said. Since many Creighton students come down and tutor, it may personalize the gift.”

Though some students may be participating so they can burn extra calories, many are proud to walk for Jesuit values.

“Volunteer events always make those participating feel better about themselves, and they help people feel a common bond with fellow participants,” Ming said. “I think events such as these say a lot about the values that Creighton students already have and about the values that Creighton is trying to continue to emphasize in students’ lives.”