2025 Walkathon Recap

Article by Jordan Travers, 2025 Walkathon Coordinator 

The Walkathon continues to stand as a defining rite of passage for our Grade 12 students. It is an extraordinary event, rooted in challenge and tradition. My initial involvement in the Walkathon stemmed from a belief in the power of voluntarily embracing challenge as a catalyst for growth. Few opportunities in a student’s school journey offer such profound potential for personal development. The students’ knowledge that they have taken on and succeeded in something difficult leaves a lasting imprint, giving them confidence to draw from when faced with adversity in the future. 

The Walkathon has grown to become an intergenerational tradition at Grammar. Many of this year’s participants followed in the footsteps of their parents, who walked during their time at the School. The Departure and Return Ceremonies, witnessed by the whole school, provide the Grade 12’s with a sense of excitement and achievement, while also allowing younger students to observe the event and look forward to participating in years to come. 

What stood out to me most about this year’s Walkathon participants was the remarkable connection that developed among the students. I witnessed moments such as boys walking back to support mates, and others pushing a wheelchair up an unforgiving hill. These moments spoke volumes about the collective spirit and camaraderie forged amongst the cohort through shared hardship

Thank you to all of the parents and staff volunteers for your generous support throughout the event, to John McLaine for his stewardship of this legacy tradition, and to the class of 2025 for showing us all how to take on a milestone challenge with such solidarity and strength. 

 

Student Reflection by Kenzie Chiselett, Grade 12 Student 

Completing the Walkathon was one of the most physically and mentally demanding things I’ve ever done – but doing it for a charity that means so much to me made it truly special. The National Breast Cancer Foundation is a cause close to my heart, as I have family members who have been and still are affected by this horrible disease, and this gave me a reason to keep going. 

One of the most memorable parts of the journey was walking during the day up to the midnight stop. Listening to music, chatting, and walking with different people made it all fun and kept me going. 

After midnight, the walk got tough. The hill on Ecclestone Road tested me mentally, but what made me proud was seeing Noah pushing Tillie in her wheelchair up that same hill. It was such a strong reminder of the strength and support in our cohort - everyone looking out for each other, even when completely exhausted. 

Finishing the walk felt incredible. I was very, very sore, tired and proud. The Walkathon is a powerful Grammar tradition and it taught me that even though our cohort is comprised of different groups and interests at School, when we came together and experienced the same mental and physical challenges of this huge walk, everyone connected, showing resilience and encouraging one another. 

For someone who dislikes walking A LOT, I would 100% encourage future students to embrace the Walkathon. Tape all your toes, find encouraging people to walk with, and don’t load up on sugar too early – but most of all, find your ‘why’. That’s what pushed me through and will push you through the hardest parts.