The JJP Swim-A-Thon started with a small idea, students learning that their beloved school custodian was on his journey to becoming a U.S. citizen and didn’t have a suit. When one of the swimmers, Samantha Sloan, discovered there was a need, she had the idea to raise money to help out. It was a kind gesture that quickly evolved into something more.
Mr. Le was always there after the last practice ended, quietly showing up, offering a smile, and a high five to students on campus. He walked or biked to work daily, spending over an hour each way on his commute, because he loves the school and the people in it. When he was offered a job at another high school closer to his home, he turned it down without hesitation. Pearce and the students and staff are his community.
Coach Ewing noticed the joyful presence was missing one day and discovered he had encountered some serious health problems that caused him to be out of work for 8 weeks. Their resolve to hold a Swim-A-Thon on his behalf grew, and the swim team quickly got to work. “The more we learned about him, the more we knew he was the guy we needed to be doing it for,” says Sophia Nidam, JJP swimmer who helps run social media for the swim team.
Through the grassroots efforts of the swim team and their families, they reached out to classmates, staff, and the community to raise money for the Swim-A-Thon. Jana Shafer, one of the team moms, played a huge role in organizing the event. Even alumni, former swimmers who had graduated, stepped in to contribute, showing that once you’re part of this team, you’re always a part of the family. They were driven by a purpose, teamwork, and big hearts.
For over an hour, students swam non-stop, logging over 4,000 meters–nearly 2.5 miles. Every lap meant something and was their way of saying thank you.
At the end of the Swim-A-Thon, Mr. Le arrived at the natatorium for a huge surprise. They had raised over $17,000, more than they ever thought possible in the week between when they started sharing the word. Christine Nguyen, another team mom, assisted with translation as well as offering to coordinate and translate for Mr. Le with the hospital. On top of everything, Coach Ewing had a few additional surprises to share: a new car and bike to help with his commute.
This is the power of a community school that comes together, or as Coach Ewing says, “Once you’re in the family, the family bands together.”
