Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 families are invited to take part in the Kellsie’s Hope Foundation 5K Run and Kids’ Dashes scheduled for Saturday, April 25, in Maryville, according to an announcement released on April 7. Registration details for the event are available through the foundation.
The event offers families an opportunity to support those affected by childhood cancer while participating in a community activity. Kellsie’s Hope Foundation was established following the passing of Kellsie Marchbanks, a Collinsville High School student who battled Osteosarcoma. The foundation continues her legacy by providing hope and support to families with children suffering from cancer.
According to information from the foundation’s website, “Our mission is to provide hope to families that have children suffering from cancer by offering support for trips and gifts that might otherwise be unattainable. We are also dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support childhood cancer research and support the education of healthcare providers with an annual nursing scholarship.” The organization was started by Marchbanks during her second round of treatment before her death in June 2011.
The school district represents schools across Madison and St. Clair counties including Caseyville Elementary School, Collinsville High School, Collinsville Middle School, Dorris Intermediate School, Jefferson Elementary School, John A. Renfro Elementary School, Kreitner Elementary School, Maryville Elementary School, Summit Elementary School, Twin Echo Elementary School, and Webster Elementary School according to Illinois Report Card. In the 2019-2020 school year it enrolled 6,169 students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade according to Illinois Report Card.
The district employs a total of 418 teachers with an average salary of $60,392 before pension contributions; women make up eighty-one percent of staff while men account for nineteen percent according to Illinois Report Card. Demographically it is fifty-six percent White students, fourteen point one percent Black students, twenty-four point one percent Hispanic students and zero point five percent Asian students according to Illinois Report Card.
In terms of funding and attendance data provided by state records: spending per student was $16,872 in 2020 totaling $104 million; chronic truancy stood at three point one percent or one hundred ninety-one chronically truant students—below the statewide average of nine point six percent according to Illinois Report Card.
As community members prepare for this upcoming event organized by Kellsie’s Hope Foundation later this month they will have a chance not only for family fun but also meaningful contribution toward supporting local families facing childhood cancer.
