For the students, it will mark the return of one of their most beloved events of the entire school year.

Emotions will run high when St. John Neumann Regional School holds its annual Walkathon on Thursday.

Along with the walk itself, the event will see the addition of a monthlong virtual event, according to Jim Pompa, chairman of the Walkathon.

“The last year-and-a-half has certainly brought many challenges and taught us all many valuable lessons,” Pompa said. “With those challenges, we all have learned to react and respond differently to the events that we face to achieve our desired results.

“That’s why this year, we have again decided to reopen our annual Walk-A-Thon to “virtually” anyone.

“That’s right, you have the opportunity to get some exercise anywhere you’d like, and support a great school for a great cause.”

Pompa said this year the school will strive to reach a goal of $40,000, and noted it has a sponsor who is willing to match every dollar raised up to $10,000.

“The Walk-A-Thon is one of our school’s largest and most exciting fundraisers,” he said. “This event is truly a fun time for our students, faculty, staff and families as we all get together to walk for our great school and all that it stands for.”

Pompa noted that as a nonprofit parochial school with very limited external funding, the school’s annual fundraisers are essential in furthering its mission to provide its students with academic excellence and faith formation in a safe, respectful and caring environment.

“All funds from our Walkathon benefit the students directly,” he said. “With your past support, we were able to enrich the educational experiences of the students from kindergarten to eighth grade by funding an impressive list of activities and improvements to the school.”

Pompa added the money raised from past years has helped to update the school’s computer labs; purchase additional Smart Boards (interactive whiteboards); new text books; and educational field trips for its students.

He said last year, the school managed to raise over $37,000 through the fundraiser.

“It would be an amazing accomplishment, and a blessing, to exceed our goal this year of $40,000,” he said.

“As you all know, there is power in numbers, and as a team, we can all pull together to achieve amazing results.”