Annual St. Michael School and Travis Mills walk-a-thon returns

Travis Mills, center, and students of St. Michael School, in Augusta, make preparations for the annual walk-a-thon. (contributed photo)

A labor of love and service at St. Michael School, in Augusta, will return next week after shifting to become a virtual event last year due to the pandemic.

The annual St. Michael School and Travis Mills Walk-A-Thon will be held inside and outside the school on Wednesday, May 5. In 2020, an exercise challenge was held in its place, with students and staff participating from home.

This year, the school community, which has enjoyed in-person learning all year, will participate in the walk-a-thon in person as well, raising money for the Travis Mills Foundation through pre-obtained pledges.

“On May 5, students will participate in a day of walking, running, completing an obstacle course, and enjoying other fun activities,” said Kevin Cullen, principal of St. Michael School. “In addition to the running, walking and activities, students will be collecting items to donate to military service members stationed away from their families, writing thank you notes to our service members, and creating flags to hang up for the day of the event.”

“This fundraiser is so important, not only to support our community and our foundation, but it teaches our kids about the military service men and women who are supporting our country every single day,” said Jaime Schorr, a co-chair of the walk-a-thon.

“I can’t wait to be there to celebrate with you guys,” Mills said in a video to students and staff. “It’s going to be a great year for us. We’re just so excited that you are able to still put this on. I can’t thank you enough.”

Mills, a retired United States Army staff sergeant of the 82nd Airborne, is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was wounded by an improvised explosive device during his third tour in Afghanistan in 2012. During his recovery, Mills discovered a passion for inspiring fellow wounded servicemen and women. He founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist wounded and injured veterans and their families. He has traveled around the country as a motivational speaker, inspiring thousands to overcome life’s challenges and defy odds. In 2015, his book, Tough as They Come, was published.

To learn how you can help the cause or for more information about the event, call the school office at (207) 623-3491.