For immediate release
MARBLEHEAD — Interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness and Interim Principal Dan Richards have announced that national sports broadcaster ESPN visited the Glover Elementary School last week to film a segment on Pete Frates’ Ice Bucket Challenge.
The Ice Bucket Challenge went viral in 2014, becoming a global phenomenon that raised millions of dollars for research into Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a degenerative disorder. As part of a commemorative project on the challenge’s 10th anniversary, ESPN visited Glover Elementary School to film a heartwarming segment featuring Frates’ daughter, who is a student at the school.
The ESPN documentary that motivated the visit will highlight the worldwide impact of the Ice Bucket Challenge and the inspiring story of Frates, who courageously battled ALS. A significant part of the documentary will include footage of Frates’ daughter reading a book to her classmates about her father’s journey. This special event was filmed in Kerry Bergeron’s class on Monday, June 3.
The Ice Bucket Challenge encouraged participants to dump a bucket of ice water over their heads and challenge others to do the same, all while raising awareness and funds for ALS research. Pete Frates, a former Boston College baseball player diagnosed with ALS, became a central figure in the movement, inspiring millions around the world.
“The Glover Elementary School community was excited to welcome ESPN and participate in this meaningful project,” said Interim Principal Richards. “The filming not only honored Pete Frates’ legacy but also provided a unique educational experience for the students, teaching them about resilience, compassion, and the power of community action.”
The ESPN documentary will air later this year.
