Mount Kisco Elementary School Celebrates the Fourth Annual Hispanic Heritage Walkathon

“What did you get? I got Guatemala!”

“You have so many stamps!”

“I want to go to México!”

These were just a few of the excited shouts from Mount Kisco Elementary School students as they participated in the school’s fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Month Walkathon Fundraiser.

For forty-five minutes, the entire school was outside walking around the field or playgrounds, collecting stamps from different Spanish-speaking countries in their “passport” books. The mood was exuberant, with Latin music playing and students laughing and enjoying time outside with friends.

Sponsored by the school’s Multicultural Committee and spearheaded by Leigh Viviano, a learning specialist who also serves as the committee’s fundraising chair, the event has become something the whole school looks forward to.

“The Multicultural Committee raises money throughout the school year to fund a variety of bicultural endeavors, including sponsoring students with extracurricular activities, cultural beautification building projects and dual language school assemblies,” said Viviano.

This year, the Hispanic Heritage Month Walkathon raised $4,434. Of that money, $1,330 will go to the Mount Kisco Elementary School Association and $887 will be gifted to the fifth-grade class. Third grader Juliette Sposato raised the most money and will serve as Principal for the Day early next month.

“We want to thank Leigh Viviano for her extraordinary leadership and dedication,” Acting Principal Dr. Angelique Johnson said. “Year after year, she pours her heart, creativity, and hard work into making the Hispanic Heritage Walkathon such a success. Because of her vision and commitment, this event has become a tradition our entire school community looks forward to and benefits from.”

Dr. Johnson also praised the efforts of the Multicultural Committee leadership, which includes Joanna Breeding and Wendyliza Gonzalez, and the partnership with Mount Kisco Elementary School Association.

While students didn’t actually travel to all of the countries in their passport books, the activity definitely had them thinking about different places.

“I want to get a Mexico stamp next because it’s a really beautiful place and I’m studying it right now,” Lexi Champlin said.