St. Francis de Sales Students to Celebrate 'Spirit Day'

Students at will participate in their third annual Spirit Day fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 22.

The event will start with a prayer service at 7:50 a.m., followed by a pep rally where each classroom will perform a song or cheer, said Principal Roy Rash.

Then, students in preschool through eighth grade will walk varying distances to raise money for their school.

"It's quite a fun day," said Rash.

Children secured pledges from their families, friends and neighbors for the walk, which will start at 9:30 a.m. Students in third through eighth grades will walk about 1.3 miles — from Buesching Road to Surryse Road to Old Rand Road to Route 22. Students in kindergarten and first and second grades will walk .7 miles, and preschool children will walk around the school's parking lot.

Students will wear T-shirts that were designed in the spring in a special contest, Rash said. They also will enjoy a cultural arts experience that will feature performances by ComedySportz Chicago. Games, music and hot dogs also will be part of this special day.

“Our Spirit Day at St. Francis de Sales is much more than a fundraising event,” said Rash. “It is a special day where students, faculty and our pastor, Father David Ryan, come together to celebrate our community spirit and dedication to a Catholic education. Over the years, Spirit Day at St. Francis has really evolved into a spectacular event.”

Rash said about $20,000 is raised through the event each year. The funds have helped upgrade classrooms and purchase wide-screen televisions.

For more information, call the school at 1-847-438-7921.