Griff helps chuck pucks, donations toward United Way

Glendale champions Kherington Spanjers (foreground, left) and Sophia Silliker head out on the United Way Oxford Stairclimb magic carpet ride. (Jeff Tribe Photo).

Jeff Tribe

With 1,206 Oxford County students ‘representing’ in their school colours and enthusiastically cheering champions through a trio of challenges, there was a hint of Harry Potter Triwizard Tournament-like magic to the United Way Oxford (UWO) Stairclimb.

“In a way, I guess it’s kind of similar,” said Kherington Spanjers, one of two Glendale Gemini competitors.

The Triwizard Tournament brought together three magical educational institutions at Hogwarts, the UWO Stairclimb representatives from all seven high schools in Oxford congregating at Woodstock’s Reeves complex the morning of Thursday, November 7th. Beyond the stairclimb component, an attendant UWO quest for glory was contested on the arena ice surface in front of loudly cheering, face-painted, school-by-school contingents.

“That was really like, motivating,” said Spanjers.

She and Sophia Silliker faced considerably less danger of death by dragon, drowning or Voldemort than Harry Potter, but the opening ‘magic carpet ride’, a tandem seated slide on a mat up and down the arena’s ice surface, did present a chilly muscle-straining marathon.

“It was pretty tough,” admitted Silliker. “It was a good workout.”

The pair also competed in a mascot-wrapping competition complicated by crepe paper’s tendency to tear and fall to the ice. However, the Glendale trio: Silliker, Spanjers and Griff the mascot, broke through in the chuck-a-puck competition. A puck originally thrown by Spanjers was knocked forward into the target cone after being struck by a puck thrown by Griff - whose human component, as per school tradition, shall remain anonymous.

The event victory was the first ‘in a while’ for Glendale, and part of an overall positive experience said Silliker.

“It was really fun.”

Gemini pride, school spirit and enjoyment of a high-energy event aside, the Stairclimb represents deeper purpose. Student attendance comes via a suggested $20 or higher fund-raised donation.

The 2024 student-raised total hit $37,805 said UWO Executive Director Kelly Gilson, bringing its 20-year running total to $471,576.

Master of Ceremonies Eric Collins emphasized the school spirit and energy on display were both impressive, but students were also ‘changing lives.’

“This really matters to our students and our schools and of course it matters to our community because we all benefit,” said Gilson.

Money raised makes a ‘big difference’ she continued, helping fund programs for example, supporting school nutrition, mentoring and literacy.

“There are so many ways United Way funding impacts children of all ages. It gives them the tools and opportunities to thrive.”

The event was a natural fit for Glendale’s Mikaelee MacDouell, whose teaching repertoire includes community engagement and civic action.

“The kids were so lovely about it and invested,” she said, pleased with a positive educational opportunity around the importance of engaging with the broader community and UWO’s motivation, focus and operational excellence throughout.

“They had it covered from the start.”

Not sure what to expect, MacDouell was also impressed with the students’ positive attitude and engagement, demonstrating school spirit and willingness to step up and contribute out of the ‘goodness of their hearts.’

“Just an example of excitement and anticipation and community support.”

Everyone says ‘donate, donate, donate,’ said Silliker, knowing where that money is going is an important part of the equation, a base well covered by the United Way.

“And that it’s going straight to the community.”

In conclusion, Spanjers said everyone involved agreed the event was ‘super fun’, encouraging others to attend in the future to share both in that fun and its underlying purpose.

“Overall, yes, it is fun. But the money everyone raised to be here is going toward a good cause.

“And that’s the most important part.”