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CHAMPION – Champion Local Schools, in partnership with the nonprofit organization 23rd Veteran, will host its inaugural Hero Hike from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday at the Champion Schools Community Stadium.
The community-wide event brings elementary and high school students together for a high-energy day dedicated to community spirit, service and patriotism.
The inspiration to bring the Hero Hike to Champion came from a dedicated community member and her son, a senior at Champion High School, who have participated in the event for several years. Recognizing its impact, school administrators and the elementary principal teamed up with the family and 23rd Veteran to launch the event locally.
The Hero Hike directly supports 23rd Veteran, a nonprofit organization providing vital mental health services to veterans coping with military-related trauma. Simultaneously, the event supports local families through the Champion Schools Care Closet.
During the event, elementary students will arrive with backpacks filled with donated food and clothing items. They will team up with their high school “buddies” to carry the backpacks for four laps around the stadium track, simulating a traditional military-style hike. At the finish line, military members and local veterans will formally accept the donations, which will stock the Care Closet with essential provisions throughout the year.
“What I love most about this event is that it brings together so many values we try to instill in our students: gratitude, service, compassion and taking care of others,” said Champion High School Principal Tracy Herrholtz. “Our younger students will have the opportunity to work alongside high school role models, interact with local veterans and learn that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”
In tandem with the physical hike, students are participating in a friendly online fundraising competition. All financial proceeds go directly to 23rd Veteran to fund veteran mental health programs and the class raising the most funds will earn a pizza party.
The stadium will feature a high-energy, patriotic atmosphere with students dressed in camouflage and red, white, and blue. First responders, emergency vehicles, military personnel and local veterans will be on-site throughout the day to interact with students and participate in the activities. Elementary students will participate in staggered grade-level groups throughout the event. Activities will include ongoing track hikes, veteran interactions and static emergency vehicle displays.