It is often said that true character shows in the face of adversity. Over the course of the summer and into the start of this school year the students, staff, parents, and extended members of the greater BFA Fairfax and FWSU communities have shown an immense strength of character and overwhelming support for one of their own. The #DSWStrong movement was started in support of 8th grader Delaney Sweet-Werneke who is currently battling osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that affects approximately 400 individuals a year.
This August, community members near and far came together for numerous events to support the Sweet-Werneke family, as well as increase osteosarcoma awareness. On August 20, teaming up with the Vermont Ravens semi-pro football team, the community “Tackled Osteosarcoma” by hosting a Ravens home game, and on August 28, the #DSWStrong fund hosted a softball tournament on the BFA Fairfax fields that included both youth and adult teams from all around the state of Vermont. These two events alone raised nearly $15,000 in support of the cause and were a vivid example of the determination of the community to rise to the occasion when needed most.
Tuesday, September 13 was a special day as the entire PreK-12 community sported lime green shirts, bracelets, and stickers to send positive thoughts of love and support to the Sweet-Werneke family.
BFA Fairfax and FWSU are extremely proud of the service-minded efforts of our students, staff, and community members, especially when supporting one of our own. Through #DSWStrong, as well as multiple annual service initiatives, the strength and character of this fantastic community are evident day-after-day.
The FWSU Story 