South Challenge Day attendees get to know each other.
Challenge Day programs were held this week at Central, North and South high schools, marking the 10th year this program has been offered in the Westerville City School District. At the urging of Board of Education member Cindy Crowe, Challenge Day began here in December 2007. Forty-eight Challenge Days have been held in Westerville during the past 10 school years, involving approximately 5,000 students and 1,250 adult volunteers. Post-program surveys indicate participants feel Challenge Day has been helpful to them in their personal lives; has made them more supportive of others; has made them more aware of the effects of bullying; and has made them feel more hopeful about their future. The total cost of Challenge Day programs in the district has surpassed $190,000, which has been covered through generous grants, fund-raisers, and donations from individuals, businesses, organizations and families of student participants. Educators Stephanie Martin (Westerville Central), Jen Kirk (Westerville North), and Lori Peters (Westerville South) coordinate the programs at their schools.