SPOONER, Wis -- A rally was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Spooner Middle School (SMS) in a show of support for 7th-grade teacher Mrs. O'Connell who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
Before the rally, every SMS student and staff member received a t-shirt with a logo on the front in support of Mrs. O'Connell and her family. SMS Principal Brad Larrabee said that the shirts were given out on a donation basis and that "if they can donate they are encouraged, but if not, then no worries."
Principal Larrabee - who told DrydenWire.com that he was proud to work with SMS teachers and students to organize the rally and fundraisers on behalf of Mrs. O'Connell and her family - said that this rally was only the beginning....
"When asked who your favorite teacher was growing up, many of us instantly recall the warm touch of an elementary school teacher who supported your growth or the infectious excitement of a favorite high school teacher who sparked your interest in learning. For many Spooner students, these favorite memories are their experiences in Mrs. O'Connell's 7th-grade math classroom. Over the last 9 years her excitement, support, and passion for learning have engaged nearly a thousand students at the Spooner Middle School. It is because of her impact on students that Wednesday the Spooner Middle School staff and students rallied to support Mrs. O'Connell and her family in her fight against breast cancer. The rally kicked off a months worth of fundraising activities that the Spooner Middle School has planned with 100% of the proceeds going to support Mrs. O'Connell and her family."
Mrs. O’Connell is originally from Eau Claire, WI and attended North High school. After high school she continued her education at UW-Eau Claire, majoring in Elementary Education with a math minor. Mr. O’Connell also played basketball for the Blugolds. This is her 9th year teaching in Spooner. During this time she spent 5 years coaching JV girls volleyball, 2 years as JV girls basketball coach and 4 years as Varsity girls basketball coach. She is supported here today by her parents, mother and father in law, husband Ryan and two kids, Maddie and Mason live in Shell Lake.
Parents and community members interested in making a donation to Mrs. O'Connell are encouraged to contact the Spooner Middle School at 715-635-2171 or by sending a check c/o Mrs. O'Connell to the Spooner Middle School 750 Oak Street, Spooner WI, 54801.
Last Update: Nov 02, 2017 6:55 pm CDT
