MANSFIELD — It was nowhere near Alaska, but the tenor of St. Peter’s School took on the venue of the Iditarod on Monday.
That’s when the school conducted its annual Urban Iditarod, raising over $6,000 and collecting more than 335 pounds of pantry supplies.
The 10 competing teams this year were Cobra Kai, Sorrow Guardians, Peter’s “Paw”sse, Black Velvet, Lucky 13, The Greasy Team, The Blue Dominators, Glacier Gliders, Men in Black and TNT Dynamite.
Teams took part in a series of challenges including trivia contests, a talent show, dodgeball matches, a fundraising drive and grocery cart races all in support of the Catholic Charities HOPE Food Pantry in Mansfield.
Fundraising for the event began the week prior with supporters donating online, local businesses sponsoring teams and community members dropping off nonperishable food items at the school.
The day of the event was filled with vibrant energy as students showed off their dancing skills, performed original skits, raced to the finish line and supported one another despite the competition.
“The students put in a lot of time and effort for this. They look like they are having so much fun all while supporting a good cause,” said Tim Failor, one of this year’s talent show judges and the school’s former athletic director.
This event also honors the legacy of St. Peter’s alumnus Matthew Failor, a 2000 graduate of the high school who has raced in14 Iditarod events across Alaska. Matt is Tim’s son.
Last month, Matt Failor finished the race in 11th place. His best finish was 8th place, two years ago.
His journey from the halls of St. Peter’s to the grueling trails of Alaska continue to inspire students and teachers alike.
The Urban Iditarod also underscores the school’s broader mission.
At the heart of Catholic education is the call to serve others, and the Urban Iditarod provides a meaningful opportunity for students to live out that call while developing leadership, creativity and collaboration.
“It’s tremendous what we can do for the community,” teacher at St. Peter’s High School Roy Shoulders said. “Everyone participates on a day of fun while doing something meaningful at the same time.”
Team members all had different favorite parts of the day.
While Black Velvet enjoyed dancing to ‘Hit the Quan’ as their talent show act, students that were part of the Sorrow Guardians and Lucky 13 liked the competitive nature of the dodgeball game.
Awards were announced at the end of the afternoon with St. Peter’s “Paw”see coming in first place overall, Cobra Kai winning most funds raised, Blue Dominators winning 1st place race finish, Black Velvet earning best performance, Lucky 13 awarded best banner, Glacier Gliders champions of dodgeball and Sorrow Guardians taking 1st place in the trivia contest.
For more information about St. Peter’s, visit their social media pages or contact the school office at 419-524-2572.