Wilson School’s parents, teachers clash at annual fundraising competition

Teachers and parents from Francis F. Wilson Elementary School went head-to-head in a variety of events on May 10 during an annual fundraiser that benefits families in need.

Event organizer Kate Stuono, an office aide at Wilson, said the event spans back about five years. Proceeds go into an account, she noted, which is used for Wilson families who may not be able to afford the cost of a field trip, for example, or other expenses that arise throughout the school year.

A couple dozen teachers faced off against parents of fifth-graders at South Side High School’s gym, as the competitors’ students, sons and daughters took to the bleachers to cheer them on. The Wilson event, previously a competition against teachers and staff members of William S. Covert Elementary School, now solely displays the talents and spirit of the Wilson community.

“It’s getting everyone out from the school — the parents and teachers — to participate and just have a lot of fun,” Stuono said.

The evening formerly only featured volleyball, but this year’s competition also included different relay events and games. A total of $600 was raised.

“It was the parents,” Stuono said laughing, seemingly deflated, when asked who won. “…By a small margin.”