Westerville educators Greg and Kate Mantenieks (foreground) were joined by Pat and April Hynes, parents of children in the school district.
On Saturday evening, November 8, students, parents, educators and community members gathered in the barn of Skip and Linda Weiler for Boots, BBQ and the Buckeyes, a yearly event presented by Westerville Education Challenge. Attendees enjoyed delicious food, great company and live music as they watched the Buckeyes defeat Michigan State on a big-screen TV. At halftime, an auction was held, all to raise money for Challenge Day, a movement that came to Westerville in 2006. This powerful program addresses issues of teenage peer pressure, teasing, and bullying and builds a community of understanding, acceptance and friendship. Since 1987, Challenge Day has helped transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of teenagers throughout the United States and other countries. Challenge Day is a meaningful and life-examining experience that can forever alter the way students view each other. Pupils from all three Westerville high schools get to experience this activity, thanks in part to money raised by the Westerville Education Challenge group.