Mr. Rivero takes over as the voice of Walk-a-thon
by Benjamin Alayo-Matos
Christopher Columbus High School’s annual Walkathon fundraiser entered a new chapter as Mr. Daniel Rivero takes over for Mr. Michael Marinelli, who served as the event’s voice for 20 years.
For Mr. Rivero, Walkathon is a tradition dating back to his own time as a Columbus student.
“We had teachers setting up tables outside, selling sandwiches, muffins, donuts, pizza, sodas and whatever candies existed in 1995,” Mr. Rivero said.
After returning to Columbus as a teacher years ago, Mr. Rivero’s homeroom raised the most money for four consecutive years.
Mr. Marinelli said Mr. Rivero was the right person to succeed him.
“He gets Walkathon. He understands what it’s like. He’s the number one Walkathon fundraiser. So it was a no-brainer that that’s the guy we want to lead this operation,” Mr. Marinelli stated.
Mr. Rivero acknowledged the responsibility of following his predecessor.
“That guy is the cornerstone for, you know, pep rallies and Walkathon, you know, the voice of the school. So coming after him is huge,” Mr. Rivero added.
Students and teachers also expressed confidence in the transition.
“I know he’s going to do a good job. He’s raised the money, he’s helped us do a lot of things,” Columbus student Frank Tanda explained.
Cody McKeon, a Columbus teacher, also supported the decision.
“If that role needed to be somebody with energy just like Marinelli is, I feel like Rivero was the perfect one to take that spot,” McKeon said he supported the decision.
For some, Walkathon may be just another school tradition. However, the 34th annual Pat Bixby Memorial Walkathon proved its impact extends beyond the event itself, surpassing its fundraising goal. As Mr. Rivero takes over, he hopes to build on Mr. Marinelli’s legacy while continuing to bring the Columbus community together for years to come.
“For 27 years from now, you guys are going to remember Mr. Rivero being a complete doof, running around going crazy, you know, trying to get you guys pumped up," said Rivero.
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