For the first time

The Waseca School District is kicking off homecoming week in a different way this year. On Sunday, Sept. 25, the school held its first-ever community Jay Walk.

Around 50 participants set out on the paved city trail that connects to the high school’s west parking lot, then walked roughly 3 miles (5k) round trip to Loon Lake Park and back. The Waseca 2022 homecoming court offered walkers blue and gold beads to wear during the trek. They later joined the cheerleaders and football players at Loon Lake Park to encourage people to keep going after reaching the halfway point. Joining the walk called for a suggested donation of $5 a person or $20 per family.

Waseca High School’s student council came up with the idea of the Jay Walk to support their projects and activities. “It’s another great way for the Waseca school community to get involved,” says Brenda Nelson, an advisor for the student council.

Junior Tricia Cox was one of the students on the council who helped come up with the idea. “We wanted another fundraising activity to help the council pay for all the things we do throughout the year,” she shares.

The Jay Walk was originally planned for last spring, but was delayed by some logistical issues. “We realized we didn’t have enough time to prepare for it,” Cox explains. “So, then we decided, ‘Why not make the Jay Walk a kickoff to homecoming week?’”

Aside from the wind, it couldn’t have been a better day for the inaugural Jay Walk, which raised about $700. With such a successful first event, planners say they are confident they will make it a tradition for years to come.

“We’re hopeful this is the start of something special,” Nelson says.