Frederick Middle Schoolers Learn About ADRA and Walk/Run to Help the World

Story by ADRA Staff

One hundred students at the Frederick Adventist Academy in Frederick, Md., participated in the school's annual walk/run event on May 10 for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). 

Students started the morning with prayer and song service. Following, was a discussion by guest speaker, Ashley Eisele, associate communications director for ADRA. 

“Can anyone tell me what the four letters in ADRA stands for?” asked Eisele. A boy shouted, “Fire!” A girl said, “Disaster.” Finally, one student expressed the correct answer, “Adventist Development and Relief Agency.” 

Eisele shared how ADRA not only helps people in disasters, but helps rebuilds their lives through community development, especially for children. “Did you know 262 million children aren’t in school—why is that?” The students responded, “Parents have no money; they have disasters to deal with.” 

After elaborating more about ADRA, Eisele quizzed the students and gave the winners ADRA vests. All students also received goodies, including stickers, pens and postcards. “You can make a difference to get other kids in school,” Eisele said as she touched on ADRA’s advocacy campaign, “Every Child. Everywhere. In School.” 

Once worship concluded, the students were led outside the school’s parking lot to walk and run. The morning was bleak and rainy, but the weather cleared up and the sun came out in time for the day’s sport. 

“This event started five years ago, and students get pledges and donations before they walk and run,” says Beckie Carbaugh, principal at the academy. “The total numbers are still being tallied, but each year we’ve raised about $1,500, and all proceeds go to ADRA.” 

For half an hour, the students, donned in red T-shirts embossed with their school’s emblem “Faith in Action,” completed the walk and run. They ran a combined total of 2,144 laps. One eighth grader finished 42 laps. Students, ages 4 to 6, walked and ran fewer laps, but had an equally fun time. 

“We encourage our students to serve others and learn about the world around them. One way is having this event where everyone can participate,” Carbaugh said.