Concord High School students gear up for annual Potter's Marathon
ELKHART, Ind. -- A group of Concord High School students is gearing up for an exciting event that mixes creativity with charity.
It’s a tradition that’s lasted for 26 years at Concord High School.
It started when ceramics teacher Robert Bieber wanted to foster awareness of the arts in the community while giving back.
The annual Potter’s Marathon will soon be in full swing, a 24-hour ceramics marathon that raises money for Riley Children’s Hospital.
The students hope to continue that legacy with a target goal of $20,000.
Christa Braddock, the current president of the Potter’s Club, has been part of the marathon since her freshman year. For her, it’s not only about the art of pottery, but also about leaving a mark for future generations.
"For me the motivator was that my grandpa had cancer. And knowing that I can give to kids who suffer from it, knowing how I felt about my grandpa being in the hospital is one of the biggest things for me. That's my main driving force, that's what keeps me up all night," Braddock said.
For senior and co-vice president Tegan Myers, this event hits close to home as her younger brother received care at Riley when he was little.
"I think it's amazing to help the community and help them. It's also an amazing thing for everyone to come together and it's nice to know that high schoolers have it in their hearts to help Riley and they all want to do this," Myers said.
Senior Maria Ward, co-president of the Potter’s Club, is no stranger to the pottery wheel. She’s been making ceramics since her freshman year but didn’t get involved with the Potter’s Club until sophomore year. Now, she’s one of the leaders behind this year's marathon.
"I'm nervous though, it's very scary to have all the eyes on you and you're supposed to know what you're doing, but yes I'm excited to do it," Ward said.
The Concord High School Potter’s Marathon will take place from Saturday, Nov. 23, at 5 a.m. to Sunday, Nov. 24, at 5 a.m.