WJHS staff and many others in Maine walk for Autism

Post date: May 02, 2018 4:5:12 PM

A group consisting largely of special educators and others from Wells Junior High School came together on April 29th to participate in an annual statewide walk to raise awareness and funding for autism. Originating from the University of New England in Biddeford, the newly formed WJHS Bridges Team walked two miles in rainy weather raising $720.00

Recreational therapist at WJHS, Heather McAtavey organized and assembled the team of 27. “I am very grateful for such an incredible turnout for our first year participating as a team in the 16th Annual Autism Society Maine Walk for Autism,” commented McAtavey the day after the event. She indicated that 99 teams originating from six locations from Biddeford to Bangor participated in the walk this year.

“I would like to thank each and every one of the walkers for their participation and all of the individual donations made by coworkers, friends, family and members of the community,” added McAtavey. “I look forward to the upcoming years, as the Bridges Team continues to take part in the annual walk.” McAtavey described the beginning interest in forming a team at WJHS as “phenomenal”.

According to the Autism Society of Maine, “The proceeds from this event will help fund the Autism Society of Maine’s programs that support families here in Maine. Today, autism occurs in approximately one out of every 68 births.” According to the Society’s website (http://www.asmonline.org), preliminary results indicate that $55,744 was raised in the latest Autism Walk.

The 2018 WJHS Bridges Team at the University of New England on April 29th. Team members in green shirts are staff from Wells Junior High School. Team captain Heather McAtavey is at the far right behind the front row. Most of the other walkers in the photo are staff family members (some WJHS students), friends and other community members.