MANCHESTER – Students were involved with two major efforts as their final days as members of the Class of 2026 nears completion.
Whiting Elementary School and Principal Evelyn Swift welcomed a special group of visitors back to their school as the graduating seniors returned to celebrate “The Last Recess.”
The event was especially meaningful, as this year’s graduating class was the first group of kindergarten students welcomed by Principal Swift when she began her tenure at Whiting School. It’s doubly poignant, since she is preparing to retire at the end of this school year.
Throughout the visit, the seniors enjoyed a tour of the school, revisited favorite childhood activities, played on scooters, participated in gym games, and also shared lunch together. The event offered students a chance to reconnect with their elementary school memories while celebrating the completion of their academic journey.
“The Last Recess” was coordinated by physical education teacher Colleen Goetz and Mrs. Staples from Manchester Township High School, whose efforts helped make the day a success.
The celebration served as a fitting and heartfelt sendoff for the Class of 2026. As the seniors prepare to begin the next chapter of their lives, the visit was a reminder of how far they have come and the lasting connections they have built throughout their years in the Manchester Township School District.
Township high school students were also busy putting the finishing touches and taking part in a cancer research fundraiser. The Relay For Life is being revived by students. It will feature a walking track, fundraising teams, and a luminaria ceremony to remember those we lost. Money raised supports the American Cancer Society.
The Relay was spearheaded by two seniors – Gabriel Calafati and James Ruocchie.
“We are working closely with the American Cancer Society and we are in charge of the various different sub-teams that we formed as part of the committee at the school. It will be held out on the football field. It is a huge fundraiser for cancer research,” Calafati told The Manchester Times.
The duo are bringing a meaningful tradition back to the community having taken the initiative to revive Relay for Life as part of their senior service project. They were inspired by their past involvement in Make-A-Wish Week through the National Honor Society.
What started as a small idea to support cancer research quickly grew into something much larger after they discovered old videos of past MTHS Relay for Life events.
That led to their motivation to recreate the legacy of the past through expanding the project into their leadership seminar class. This led to their fellow classmates joining a committee to help plan and organize the relay event.
It isn’t too late to support this effort. Donations can still be made. For more information visit: bit.ly/MTHSRelayforLife2026
