WCNC-TV’s weatherman Larry Sprinkle joined students at St. Mark Catholic School Monday, March 14, for a pep rally to kick-off a week of activities geared toward raising awareness and money for the American Diabetes Association’s School Walk for Diabetes.

Throughout the next few weeks students will have fun incentives to encourage donations at school.  The class that raises the most money will win ice cream from the cafeteria.  Students are also encouraged to collect pledges from family and friends and can even set up their own fundraising locker on www.diabetes.org/schoolwalk for online contributions.

“We see this event as a win-win situation for our students,” Principal Debbie Butler said.  “They are able to raise money for a worthy cause, while learning about the value of choosing a healthy lifestyle.”

St Mark’s eighth annual School Walk for Diabetes takes place March 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on the school’s outdoor track.  Parents will have the opportunity to join their children and walk in honor or memory of someone they know with diabetes.

Last year St. Mark raised $38,914, which was used to help children with diabetes attend summer camp in North Carolina. St. Mark’s fundraising total placed the school first in the nation.  The school’s commitment to helping others in their community and around the world is the drive behind surpassing last year’s total.