Schools start April with a busy weekend

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County will begin April with a busy weekend filled with philanthropic, musical, and active event opportunities provided by local schools.

Beginning bright and early at 8 a.m., the New London Varsity Girls Basketball Team will begin registration and check in for their Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser.

Those registering day-of will pay a $25 registration fee.

According to Assistant Coach Breanne Mettler, the team organized this fundraiser to raise money for new travel suits, basketballs, and camp this summer.

“We used all the funds we had previously this season on our new uniforms and would like to get matching travel suits,” Mettler wrote in a letter for sponsors.

Following registration, participants will take off at 9 a.m. to follow a course around New London.

Mile markers and water stations will line the route.

Along with the Fun Run, the event will provide free refreshments to all participants after the run/walk. They will also host a bake sale at the event.

Mt. Pleasant Middle School’s Honor Band also welcomes guests to an event April 1.

These young musicians will continue the Annual Mt. Pleasant Middle School Honor Band event at Mt. Pleasant High School from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Merging music, movement, and fundraising, Winfield Mt. Union schools will host a Mini Dance Marathon event in their small gym.

The event will include a Hula-Hoop contest, musical chairs, freeze dance, and other activities.

Dancers may also purchase glow sticks and tattoos at the event.

Kindergarten-sixth grade students may participate in the dance marathon from 6-7 p.m. and seventh-12th graders will participate from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

All of the proceeds from WMU’s Mini Dance Marathon will benefit the University of Iowa Dance Marathon which directly benefits kids and their families fighting cancer at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

According to the Dance Marathon website, “…Dance Marathon partners with elementary, middle, and high schools to get kids of all ages to join the fight against pediatric cancer.”

“Schools across the state of Iowa host events of all kinds to raise money and spread awareness for pediatric cancer,” the site says. “Mini Dance Marathons are a great way to improve student leadership, philanthropy, and help give students purpose.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com