Arlee students, staff support Joe Pablo
courtesy photo
The Arlee High School gym is packed with spectators at a lift-a-thon held to raise money for the family of cancer patient and beloved community member Joe Pablo last Thursday.
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ARLEE — The Arlee High School gym swelled to capacity last Thursday afternoon. While there were a few empty spots in the bleachers, no one present will deny that love filled every vacant space. Students, staff and even a few community members rallied to support a very special competition.
Community member Joe Pablo was honored at a special lift-a-thon organized by the Arlee High School Student Council. Students in three categories put their strength on the line to lift 49,065 pounds and raise over $1,100 for the Pablo family.
Eighth grade student, Colt Brazill, son of Bryan and Kassandra, brought in the most donations with $250. Only students in grade four or higher were allowed to compete in the weightlifting portion, so to share in the spirit, students in the first through third grade collected pennies. The prize for the class collecting the most pennies was watching their teacher kiss a pig. Mrs. Jill Couture’s first grade class collected 5.2 pounds. Mrs. Bonnie Barger’s first grade class collected 9.3 pounds. Ms. Sue McCay’s third grade class collected 12.8 pounds. Mrs. Sibley Ligas’s class collected 30.2 pounds. Mr. Karl Swab’s class collected 36.7 pounds. And finally, Ms. Anne Tanner’s class collected 50.7 pounds for a grand total of 108 pounds in pennies.
Thank you, Rick’s Kustom Kuts, Paige Carney, and Nikole Brodeur for furnishing the pig for Ms. Tanner to smooch.
The Pablo family paid homage when son Barnes “Joe” Pablo, spotted by his brother, Ike, lifted 225 pounds 20 times. Students counted and cheered him on as he lifted. A tearful Michelle Pablo accepted a beautiful quilt for Joe and Melinda sewn with love by the Textile Design class.
