03/17/14 The third annual St. Paddy’s Day Dash at Plymouth High School was held Saturday morning under sunny skies. This year’s Dash was a benefit for Riley’s Children Hospital and their Dance Marathon project, Be The Match of Indiana Bone Marrow Organization and for Marcelion “Boo” Arbuckle. Boo is a kindergartner at Webster School who is currently fighting a rare and aggressive soft tissue tumor call Desmoid Fibromatosis.
Although Kelsey Flynn, Director of Communications for the Weidner School of Inquiry and Aimee Portteus, Director of Guidance were the adults heading up the event, Flynn said, “It’s really the kids who do all the work and get the excitement going.”
After gathering the participants together in the north hallway prior to the race, Mrs. Flynn said, “I wish every year we wouldn’t have a reason to do this but in reality, cancer isn’t choosey on who it picks.”
Former PHS alumni, Eric Day was on hand for the Dash. Eric was the benefactor of the first annual St. Paddy’s Day Dash. While in his first year in college Eric was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He spoke to the crowd of more than 100 and said, “The importance of the community to come out and be supportive in so many ways is great to see.”
Football and Track Coach John Barron was the track director and starter for the run/walk. He said, “We live in a great community and it’s so good to see so many PHS alumni come out and participate.” Barron did warn participants of some issues with black ice, in-fact the route had to be changed too because of mud back by the sledding hill. Members of the track team and baseball team were out along the route to direct runners and walkers.
After the race many participated in lunch with a sandwich or dinner from Bruce’s Big Grill. Bruce and Kathy Ruffing also served many who didn’t run but wanted to support the fundraiser
