Two events. Two students. One cause. This year, in order to commemorate two influential students, Panthers participated in two walkathons.
Over two hundred people gathered in the basketball courts at Palmetto on January 29 in 55 degree weather for the two mile Walk for Witty. It has been 11 years since Helen Witty passed away, and in her honor Palmetto held its third Helen Witty Walk. Witty, a well-rounded student and Thespian, was killed by a drunk driver as she was rollerblading.
“I’m just hoping that it gives students and community members the opportunity to stop and think about the decisions they make that can endanger themselves or others,” Drama teacher Elizabeth Silverio said.
Mr. and Mrs. Witty addressed the participants reminding them of the purpose of the walk.
“I am here today because I still have a very precious daughter encased in my heart,” Mrs. Witty said. “Underage drinking ruins lives, underage drinking ends lives, and I would rather work with you to save lives, and I think my daughter would agree.”
The funds obtained from the walk will be distributed between a scholarship in Helen’s name given to students who reflect her personality and academics and to the organization of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
The Andrew Parker 5K, the walk to honor the 2010 Palmetto alumni, took place on January 2 and had a turnout of approximately 500 participants. The walk-a-thon raised money for the Andrew Parker Foundation, but mainly commemorated Andrew’s life. The event brought together the whole community to honor the life of Andrew Parker who attended Santa Fe Community College and planned to transfer to the University of Florida in the spring. Unfortunately, Parker passed away in a car accident in October. While at Palmetto, Parker was a three-year varsity player on the football team and was an inspiration to others on and off the field.
“Many of the same people went to both the memorial and the walk, but the emotions were different,” Economics teacher Armando Gonzalez said. “At the walk, many were celebrating his life more than anything.”
The proceedings go toward a scholarship for a student who requires financial assistance and has been accepted to UF. At the time, the honoree has not been selected. A portion of the funds will also be used for the Panther Touchdown Club which sponsors Palmetto’s football program. In order to continue raising money, Andrew’s younger brother, sophomore Jonathan Parker, will sell bracelets and t-shirts.
“I think it [the walk-a-thon] made everyone realize how much he was loved and how much he cared,” Jonathan Parker said.
These students may be gone now, but their name and legacy will always be remembered at Palmetto. Once a Panther, always a Panther.
