11 Years Walking Strong: North Hi Mount’s Walkathon Fundraiser Keeps Us Moving Forward
This year marks a special milestone for our beloved North Hi Mount Elementary: our 11th Annual Walkathon and the school’s 90th birthday. As a mom of four kids who’ve had the joy of attending NHM, I’ve walked this path—literally and figuratively—for years. I’ve watched our fundraiser grow, adapt, and thrive alongside our school and community.
When we first started the Walkathon, we couldn’t have imagined how meaningful it would become. We’ve taken different routes over the years, and the pandemic certainly threw us for a loop—but like always, our community found a way to keep moving. Now, we’ve settled into our favorite path yet: from the school to Monticello Park and back again. It’s more than just a walk—it’s a celebration.
What makes this event so special? It’s everyone. On Walkathon day, the entire North Hi Mount family comes together—students, parents, teachers, neighbors, local businesses, city leaders, and community partners. We walk as one, showing our kids what it looks like when a community rallies together in support of education, wellness, and unity.
We’re cheered on (sometimes literally!) by the Arlington Heights Band and Cheer team and the incredible Stripling Middle School cheerleaders and band. Their energy adds excitement to every step and shows our younger students what lies ahead in their school journey.
But beyond the music, smiles, and steps, there’s a very real purpose behind the Walkathon.
Over the past decade, North Hi Mount has seen a decline of more than $110,000 in federal and local funding. That’s money that used to go toward resources our kids rely on every day. Thankfully, our PTA, local businesses, and generous families have stepped up year after year to bridge that gap—and this event is a big part of how we do it.
Your donations go directly into the classrooms, funding things like:
Technology tools that keep students engaged and learning
Math, science, and literacy programs that spark curiosity
Resources that help teachers meet every child where they are
Every dollar raised helps every student at North Hi Mount—and the ripple effects reach far beyond our school walls. When we invest in our kids, we invest in the future of our community.
So whether you’re walking, donating, cheering from the sidelines, or sharing our story—thank you. You're helping us keep a tradition alive, and more importantly, you’re helping keep our students supported, inspired, and moving forward.
Here’s to 90 years of North Hi Mount—and to the next 90!
If you’d like to donate to our gem of a school, check out our Walkathon website. And if you’d like to walk with us, we’d love to see you on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7:40am on the playground!
Courtney Summers
Proud Mom of Four Eager Eagles
PTA Member and Lifetime Walkathon Attendee
