Sixteen 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 2008 kick-a-thon took place at St. Charles North Oct. 18 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 2007, the event raised $70,000. More than $300,000 has been raised since 1993.

This year’s final tally won’t be announced until the East-North basketball game in January, when the schools’ drill teams present the check to representatives from the American Cancer Society. Proceeds will 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.”

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.”