Peters Sophomore Leads First Walk for Autism

A sophomore at  created an event to support autism after seeing a friend's siblings struggle with the disorder. 

Casey Kirwan, 15, said the idea caught her attention last year and this year she decided to put her planning skills to work. The first annual Walk for Autism will be held on Saturday—rain or shine—from noon to 4 p.m. at the high school stadium track.

"We'd like to raise as much as we can," Kirwan said. "We created a bunch of autism merchandise to sell during lunch periods. We handed out pledge forms and assigned jobs to members in Interact Club."

Interact Club is a community-service school organization and its members, including Kirwan, coordinated Saturday's event. The club is sponsored by the McMurray Rotary Club and is lead by gifted coordinator Judy Alexander.

Kirwan's friend, sophomore Bethany Kelso, has two autistic siblings—Emily and Buddy. Kirwan said they inspired her to make this event happen. Kelso, 15, is also an event coordinator for the walk.

Registrations will be taken day of, but those who wish to register at school Friday can—registration forms and information will be available outside of the cafeteria during lunch periods. 

Kirwan said there will be music, a Chinese auction with gift baskets and a bake sale. Teams can be formed for a little healthy competition, the organization said. 

The group asks if you aren't able to walk, please show your support by pledging to make a donation for every lap accomplished by a walker of your choice. 

Autism awareness items will also be sold.

"We decorated the school in light blue and put up signs," Kirwan said. "We put blue votive lights in all of the school buildings. We're selling different bracelets, magnets and bubbles."

Proceeds benefit Autism Speaks, which will have an information booth at the walk. Kirwan said she and her classmates really benefited from the experience. 

"We've learned a lot from it," she said. "We understand (autism) better." April is Autism Awareness Month.

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