Bringing back Terry's run
Teacher in Coral Harbour reminds students of Fox legacy
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
CORAL HARBOUR
The Terry Fox Run made its way back to Sakku School in Coral Harbour earlier this month.
A line of students stretches down the road as Sakku School welcomes the Terry Fox Run back to Coral Harbour earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Tamika Nakoolak |
Drama teacher Moses Suzuki organized the event and said it was a beginning towards a better run in the future.
He said although the run went very, very well, some people really didn't know what the event was all about.
"As a result of that, we only managed to raise $167," said Suzuki.
"I was really thorough in explaining who Terry Fox was and I think a lot of people got the message.
"So, hopefully, next year will be a little more exciting and we'll have a little more money coming in.
"But, it was a good walk with about 280 people taking part and everyone really pulled their weight and did a good job."
Suzuki used his background in drama to create a unique way of retelling the Terry Fox story.
The teacher's theatrical approach saw the students being inspired while listening intently to the historical overview.
"I did a presentation speech and, during the speech, I acted everything out.
"Instead of just simply telling the raw facts, I put people into the story by describing how Terry talked to his doctor and acting out the conversation.
"I also acted out when he was sitting amongst the other cancer patients in the hospital after having his operation to try and give the story life, rather than just having information without characters and a plot.
"It seemed to work because, usually, half these kids would just take off once out of school, but everyone came back and did their part."
Suzuki said he's looking forward to following up on this attempt in 2017.
He said he enjoyed doing the Fox Run and is looking forward to improvements in the coming year.
"We made some progress this year, got the message across to more people about the Terry Fox legacy and we'll, definitely, see improvement next year.
"It's not just about the money, but this is a generous community and I know we'll do better in what we raise the next time."
