East, North highs quell rivalry for fundraiser

Kick-A-Thon Website Editor — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Nearly nineteen years ago, the annual St. Charles High School Kick-A-Thon started as a way for the school drill team to raise funds for cancer charities, connect the high school with the community and honor former faculty member Rose Drach, who died of cancer.

Since St. Charles High School split into East and North in 2000, the Kick-A-Thon has taken on an increased significance.

As the city’s population continues to grow, and the East-North rivalry intensifies, the annual event has united both schools for a common cause. The 2010 kick-a-thon took place at St. Charles North last October in front of a capacity crowd before the East-North varsity football game.

“It brings our community together, teams together and two schools together,” said St. Charles North drill team coach Nancy Franson. “Our kids get to know each other. Even though we do compete, we can still work together and achieve something so positive.”

In 2010, the event raised over $70,000. More than $500,000 has been raised since 1993.

This year’s final tally was announced at the the East-North basketball game in February, when the schools’ drill teams presented the check to representatives from the American Cancer Society. Proceeds also go to the Living Well Cancer Resource Center in Geneva, which provides meals and educational resources for cancer patients and their families.

The event not only raises awareness in the two high schools, but throughout St. Charles.

“It's a reality check,” said East drill team member Kristin Heydorn.

Early rains didn’t keep about 150 community members and school administrators from participating in this year’s Kick-A-Thon. Each drill team member was assigned two to three community “kickers.”

Heydorn participated with her father, Ken Heydorn, and her family’s orthodontist. She said the event alleviates some of the tension of the school’s rivalry.

"We're competitive during the drill team season,” Heydorn said. “But for the Kick-A-Thon, we work together and become friends.”

Past East drill team coach Kelly Sharbaugh, a 2003 East graduate, attended the old St. Charles High School for one year before the schools split. Sharbaugh, now an English teacher, participated as an East drill team member.
“I think it’s a good way for the girls to be involved in the community and community involved in schools,” Sharbaugh said. “It brings the schools together. There are so many events where we are against each other and Kick-A-Thon is one of those remaining events where we do something together.”

Kick-A-Thon Recognized By Family Circle Magazine

Gretchen Murphy — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Family Circle Magazine recognized the Kick-A-Thon in their article naming St. Charles, Illinois #1 in their annual "10 Best Towns For Families", which appeared in the August 2011 issue:

"Every September St. Charles' high school drill teams begin fundraising for the American Cancer Society and a local health center; the campaign, which netted an impressive $74,000 last year, culminates in October at the. . . football game, where people line up across the field and do 100 kicks."

Read the entire article at: http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/travel/best-towns-for-families/?page=1

New Website Design Complete

Kick-A-Thon — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:24:30 GMT

We are excited to announce the launch of the new Kick-A-Thon website. We will be using the website more frequently to get the word out and share important information about the organization. If you have any comments, suggestions or feedback please feel to post your message here. Thank you!

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East, North highs quell rivalry for fundraiser

Kick-A-Thon Recognized By Family Circle Magazine

New Website Design Complete