Annual 'Walk-It-Out' Event 'Brings-It-In' for Cancer Charity

− Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor

Beautiful blue skies, sunshine and warm temperatures stirred the colorful crowd into action at the sixth annual Walk-It-Out, held this year at Rose Street Commons Courtyard.

Joining forces with a faithful friend on behalf of K's for Cancer, a nonprofit group formed last year in memory of Justin F. Hilton, of Montoursville, are Rexford B. Hilton (left) and Joshua D. Young, a learning systems administrator in Penn College's Office of Instructional Technology − Justin's father and brother-in-law, respectively.

The day's winners included the Penn College Horticulture Club (with a few members from other majors), which won "Team of the Year" honors for raising the most money. From left are Matthew E. Brzezinski, of Easton; John P. Bailey, of West Chester; Matthew D,. Lowe, of Lancaster; Jeremy L. Thorne, of Sugarloaf; and Ashley J. Maietta, of Hughesville.

The "Team Spirit Award" was won by these enthusiastic members of Sigma Nu fraternity: from left are Michael A. Reese, of Whitehall; Christopher M. Scheller, of Sykesville, Md.; Akeem K. Shakes, of Bronx, N.Y.; Michael L. Spear, of Erie; Ryan M. Enders, of York; Eric J. Morris. of Lakeville; and Nicholas S. Choiniere, of Millbury, Mass..

The aforementioned Mr. Choiniere, a first-year welding technology student, enjoys refreshing fruit and other delights.

A consistent booster at campus events, the Wildcat mascot donned a T-shirt and lent a paw to the charitable pursuit.

Ample spring sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for activities galore, from badminton ...

... to volleyball ...

... to the strategy (and hoped-for accuracy) of Sigma Nu's beanbag toss.

Lauren M. Fura, of Reading, a pre-occupational therapy assistant student, lobs a beanbag toward its target.

Others, such as Erin T. Wise, pre-dental hygiene, Lancaster, and Spencer P. Cavanagh, information technology: information assurance and security concentration, Carlisle, found it a glorious day for "sitting it out" and relaxing.

An inflatable obstacle offers another source of friendly competition.

Matthew E. Brzezinski, left, of Easton …

... and Jason A. Perch, right, of Blakeslee ...

... both sophomores in the landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis major, race to the finish ...

... with Brzezinski claiming victory!

Sigma Nu fraternity members enjoy good eats and great seats in the center of the lawn while awaiting beanbag-tossing competitors.

Colorful T-shirts were distributed to those "pitching in" to support the cause.

Disc jockey Steve Hunter (center) draws and announces the winners with assistance from Michael J. Hersh, left, assistant director of student activities for programming and operations, and a tie-wearing Wildcat.

Newly retired cross country coach Michael J. Paulhamus (with wife, Donna, at center) was among the smiling faces in the crowd enjoying a midday workout ...

... smiling even more, as the South Williamsport couple won the "Labor of Love" basket donated by the Registrar's Office.

Overflowing with goodies, creations for this year's Walk-It-Out Basket Raffle were displayed under tents, enticing last-minute ticket-buyers. All proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society through the K's for Cancer Foundation.

Gregory "Scott" Vincent Jr., a part-time health assistant with the Student Health Center, was on hand to help with any emergencies. An EMT from Center Valley, Vincent is a freshman in diesel technology.

With a high-five from the Wildcat, Dana M. Ritter celebrates her win of the "Sock It To Me" basket, donated by the Advisement Center. From Walden, N.Y., Ritter is a senior in residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration.

K's for Cancer bracelets were handed out to Walk-It-Out participants.