To raise awareness for the global water crisis, students in the Global Scholars program are hosting a 4-mile walk May 17, beginning at 9 a.m. 

With the support of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton, the Global Scholars are joining with students from Grafton High School to organize this event. The goal is to raise at least $7,500 to fund a well in a developing country.

“Students need to accumulate at least 20 hours of global service learning as part of the requirement for earning a Global Scholars Certificate,” Grafton High School director of counseling and Global Scholars adviser Greg Johnson said. “This Walk fits in well with that requirement.” 

First held in 2019, the event was canceled in 2020 because of COVID. According to social studies teacher and Global Scholars adviser Jeff Ellmaker, renewed student interest led to bringing back the walk this year.

“The best part is seeing the two groups of students work together,” Ellmaker said.. 

Walk4Water is a fundraising program hosted by Healing Hands International to support its water ministry. According to the World Health Organization, approximately two billion people worldwide do not have access to clean drinking water. Additionally, 842,000 die annually from water-related illnesses. 

The walk will include two loops of two miles each because the average distance that people in developing countries walk to gather water every day is four miles. 

Several water stations will be available along the route, sponsored by local businesses and organizations. 

There is no entry fee to participate in the walk. Donations will also be accepted at the event and at https://walk4water.hhi.org/cedarburg-wi-2025.