FUNDS FOR FLORIDA — McKinley STEM Academy’s Marvel STEM Club is hosting a series of fundraisers toward financing their trip to Universal Theme Park and Sea World in Orlando in March. A Superhero Fun Walk/Food Festival is set for Sept. 7. Preregistration will be taken until Wednesday, with more to be accepted the day of the event. Those helping with various fundraisers and enjoying some STEM creative activities included, from left, Blake Davis, Tucker Felton, John Murray and Jameson Poludniak. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The McKinley Marvels STEM Club has been raising money toward its Florida excursion next spring. And on Sept. 7, the public will have the opportunity to help students make that trip.

A Superhero Fun Walk/Food Festival has been planned at McKinley STEM Academy, located at 1400 Adams St. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with registration starting at 9 a.m.

The walk will take place at 10 a.m. The cost will be $15 per person.

McKinley teacher Mackenzie Filtz is organizer of the festival and walk. Filtz stated preregistration is available until Wednesday, guaranteeing participants receive a packet containing a T-shirt, race bag and a Marvel surprise. However, more packets will be available the day of the event.

Walkers will trek an estimated one-mile route. The route will be marked with balloons, signs and superhero facts. The walk begins at the school, extending through Cedar Avenue and Plum Street. Walkers will loop around Eve Drive to Union Avenue and end back at the school.

First Baptist Church will have a table and water station available. The event includes child-friendly music, food trucks, vendors, inflatables and a foam party from Screwy Louie’s. Wristbands will be sold for those taking part in the inflatables and foam part. The cost will be $10 to $15.

“We have 14 food trucks that RSVP’d to be here, Filtz said. “There will be doughnuts and coffee at 9 a.m. and a Zumba dance party. We’re encouraging students to dress as a superhero or wear superhero gear. Anyone can attend and it is open to the public.”

Walkers can visit the food trucks upon their return, officials noted, adding 15 community vendors will have crafts, gift baskets and free information. A disc jockey will play music throughout the day. Filtz announced sponsorships have been given toward making the money needed for the Florida trip.

Businesses or individuals wanting to make a contribution can do so at the following levels: Champion, $250; Protector, $100, Guardian, $75, Defender, $50; and Sidekick, $25. She said vendors have made a donation or are planning to give a portion of their sales to benefit the club’s trip.

Filtz explained club members will attend monthly sessions with STEM-themed challenges and travel to Universal and Sea World March 25-30 to participate in their STEM App series.

“Thirty businesses have become donors and sponsored students,” she commented. “About half of the kids have been funded for the trip and it’s phenomenal.”

A total of 122 students and family members will travel to Orlando and stay at the Cabana Bay Resort. Preschool- through first-graders will enjoy Dr. Seuss Land, containing rides and a character meet-and-greet; and Camp Jurassic, an interactive area with Raptor Encounter and DreamWorks Land with the Trolls ride and Shrek playground.

Members in the second- to fourth-grade classes will enjoy storytelling, a Jurassic excursion, a weather program to explain STEM careers and how to plan for conditions, Sea World Marine Animal Care and STEM careers. Free time will be given for students and their families to explore.

More fundraisers are scheduled, officials said, including a red-eye bus trip to New York City Dec. 6-8. The cost is $175 per person. A $25 deposit is needed. Payment options are available. The final amount is due by Nov. 1.

Filtz said the tour is being organized through Uniglobe. Buses will depart at 11 p.m., while attendants have a free itinerary to view Broadway shows and take in views of the Big Apple. The buses will then depart around 11 p.m. Dec. 7 to return to Steubenville.

Filtz said T-shirts and pepperoni rolls were sold to raise money, and a McKinley Marvels STEM Camp was held Aug. 7-9 at the school. Themed events included Marvel superheroes, Jurassic Park and Harry Potter. The club offered free activities, as well, such as a storybook and nature walk at Beatty Park and a Harry Potter birthday celebration at the Schiappa Library.

Registration forms for the family walk can be picked up or dropped off at McKinley STEM Academy from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Checks can be made payable to McKinley STEM, with Fun Walk written in the memo. For information, contact Filtz at (740) 310-3566 or e-mail mfiltz@rollred.org.