It all started with a powerful idea — and some big hearts in Grade 5.

Earlier this year, a group of Grade 5 students approached Principal Eakins with a thoughtful proposal: a fundraiser to support ALS research and awareness. These students weren’t just looking to raise money — they wanted to make a difference. Their proposal reflected a deep understanding of what ALS is, how it affects families, and — most importantly — how they could help.

For several of these students, the cause was very personal.

The driving force behind the project was Willa Snow, a Grade 5 student here at Capitol Hill School. Willa lost her dad, Chris Snow, to ALS in September 2023. Chris was just 42 years old. A dedicated father and Assistant General Manager of the Calgary Flames, Chris became a passionate advocate for ALS research after his diagnosis. In the years that followed, he and Willa’s mom, Kelsie Snow, helped launch the #SnowyStrong movement — a campaign that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for ALS research across North America.

Inspired by her family’s journey and her own experience, Willa, along with her classmates, brought that same sense of purpose and action to our school community. With creativity and heart, the students handmade paper flowers, bookmarks, stickers, and pins — with support from Kelsie Snow — and ran a two-day fundraiser during lunch hours and at our Wednesday evening spring concert. It was student-led, student-run, and entirely student-powered (with some help from Ms. Moore, their amazing teacher!). The results? An incredible $1,200 raised so far this year — and counting!

This fundraiser wasn’t just about the money (though that’s pretty amazing). It was about agency, compassion, and action. It showed what happens when students lead with empathy and purpose — and when a school community rallies around them. The conversations sparked, the awareness raised, and the collective sense of doing something that matters — that’s the real impact.

To learn more about the Snowy Strong movement or to contribute to the cause, visit www.snowystrong.ca. If you donate, be sure to mention Capitol Hill School or Willa Snow in the comments — we’d love to track how our school community is making a difference.

Way to go, Grade 5 — this is what leadership and heart look like in action!