Walking in memory of Nate

Students from Wilmot Union High School participate in the second annual Nate Walter 5K during homecoming festivities recently. The event raised money for the Ronald McDonald House last year, but this year the proceeds went to start a scholarship in Walter’s name. The Wilmot student was killed while on a riding lawnmower by a driver under the influence of heroin in 2013.
Students from Wilmot Union High School participate in the second annual Nate Walter 5K during homecoming festivities recently. The event raised money for the Ronald McDonald House last year, but this year the proceeds went to start a scholarship in Walter’s name. The Wilmot student was killed while on a riding lawnmower by a driver under the influence of heroin in 2013.

Homecoming spirit supports Nate Walter Scholarship

By Anne Trautner

Staff Writer

During homecoming week at Wilmot Union High School, students dressed according to various themes each day – pajamas, togas and superhero outfits, all in an effort to show their spirit.

That Wednesday evening, on Oct. 8, many of the students came to the school wearing light blue shirts, showing a spirit of support for Nate Walter, a Wilmot student who died in June 2013 after a car hit him as he drove a riding lawnmower.

The students, along with community members ages 3 to about 70, walked or ran a 5K to raise money for the Nate Walter scholarship funds, said Tracy Carlisle, the school’s student council advisor.

“It went very well. We had around 500 people, and after expenses have been paid for, we have about $6,100 for the scholarship,” Carlisle said.

Nate’s father, Scott Walter, spoke to all the participants as they gathered before the 5K started to thank them for their support.

“The support we have received from the community has just been overwhelming over the last year or so,” Scott told the crowd. “And the scholarship feels like a great way to give back to the community, so we want to thank you all for supporting that.

“We are very excited about the scholarship fund, and hope that we can help somebody further their education after Wilmot.”

Not all of the students had known Nate, who would have graduated last year.

“Most of the freshmen and sophomores that participated didn’t know him at all. I think it was more that they know the story and want to support the family,” Carlisle said.

The driver who hit Nate was under the influence of heroin, Carlisle said.

This was the second year the Nate Walter 5K was held. Last year, it raised $4,632.50 for the Ronald McDonald House, Carlisle said. The Walter family had used the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee while Nate was treated in the days following the car crash.

“This year, we are using proceeds to create a scholarship in Nathan’s memory for students pursuing a career in technology. Nate would have been a senior last year, and while a student here, he worked with our IT department and loved working on computers, especially keyboards,” Carlisle said.

This year’s 5K run/walk began with opening words from Carlisle and the Walter family, and ended with hot dogs, chips and water being served to all participants. Wilmot’s student council organized the event.

“We are just hoping that we can keep this going as long as possible so that we can build up the scholarship and have it available for students for many years to come,” Carlisle said.


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