Tech walk, scholarship fest to honor Betty Gooch
The 11th annual Richard Shields Elementary School Tech Walk will honor Betty Gooch. The school's first computer lab manager passed away June 5, 2012, after a struggle with cancer. She worked for the Cape Henlopen School District for 36 years.
Each year, the school holds the event to raise money to supplement its technology budget. This year, money from the walk will go to pay for iPads and applications.
Kathy O'Hanlon, a retired Shields teacher who helped Gooch coordinate the walk for many years, said Gooch provided enthusiasm, energy, dedication and love of technology to make the event happen.
“Each year she would get everyone excited about the Tech Walk. She motivated staff, students and parents to help raise funds to improve technology at Shields,” O'Hanlon said.
Technology purchased from the Tech Walk includes: the school's first server; wireless routers; memory chips; software; cameras; and video cameras.
This year's event is scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 19, on the Shields track in Lewes. Students, parents, teachers and friends are urged to get donations for the two-mile walk. Other activities at the school include games and a dinner for walkers who raise $5 in donations and supporters who pay a $2 registration fee.
Pledge forms are available at the school or on the night of the Tech Walk.
Weekend's activities raise funds for scholarship
In addition to the walk, Faith and Israel United Methodist churches are planning the first Betty M. Gooch Scholarship Fund Festival the weekend of the Tech Walk. Starting at noon Saturday, April 20, chicken and dumpling dinners for $10 will be on sale at the school. Starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20, the churches are planning a carnival with games, a fish fry, silent auction, cake walk and face painting at Shields Elementary School.
At 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 20, there will be a praise and worship service at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach. The message will be presented by Demetrio Beach, Penn-Del associate conference lay leader.
Donations of cakes, silent auction items and small prizes are needed. Contact Katina Gooch at 302-236-8654 or 684-3390 for more information.
