EHS HAS WALKED FOR hunger, the homeless, AIDS, and various other diseases. This year five fabulous faculty members walked in Avon’s Walk for Breast Cancer on May 14-15 to support one of EHS’ most beloved teachers, Mrs. Cobb of the foreign language department.

“I want to walk for all the teachers suffering from breast cancer,” said Ms. Turner, one of the
“Mariella’s Bellas”, as the group calls themselves. “Mrs. Cobb is someone you want to hug all the time. If I have to walk for her, I’ll do it.”

Turner, along with Ms. DiNatale, Ms. Clawson, Ms. Tringali, and Ms. Sargent started Mariella’s Bellas to support past and present teachers and families whose lives have been affected by cancer.

“With the help of Everett Public Schools students, teachers, and faculty many fundraisers have been held,” DiNatale, the head coordinator, said.

Throughout the years, no EHS fundraiser has had as successful a participation level as Mariella’s
Bellas. Coins for Kids, the bracelet movement for Japan, and the Heal the World Foundation have raised a lot of money, but these have not matched the level of support for Cobb and her friends.

“The team bought 500 t-shirts, and they were all sold out within three weeks,” DiNatale said. “We made over $10,000.”

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Over 207,000 people in the US are diagnosed and over 39,000 people die every year from the disease. Massachusetts has the seventh highest rate of new cancer cases in the US.

“Walking 39.9 miles is nothing compared to what a cancer patient has to deal with,” DiNatale said.

Since Cobb’s teaching schedule has been lightened this year, she has been working with a long-term substitute, Mr. Jordan, to take over her classes when she is not able to work. Mr. Baldi said they were fortunate to find a certified teacher to help out.

Trying to follow in the footsteps of a much-loved teacher has not been an easy task for Jordan.

“I’m looking forward for her recovery,” he said. “The students have been helpful and appreciative of my presence.”

Cobb is not only one of EHS’ best teachers, she’s also a fighter, a role-model, and a very strong woman. “Mrs. Cobb is an inspiration to everyone in EHS,” Clawson said. “She shows that no matter what you’re going through, you must not give up.”

In addition to teaching Italian, Cobb also teaches Spanish and ESL. According to Sargent, her
department head, Cobb “always gives 100 percent to all of her students.”

Tringali, another beloved Italian teacher, is more than happy to walk. “I wanted to do something to help Mrs. Cobb and all the other men and women,” she said. “She is very important to me. This would be the best way to help.”

Cobb greatly appreciates all the “marvelous” spirit and support. “The support and love of all the students and faculty both inside the building and out has been out of this world,” she said. “I thank everyone. It all feels great.”

Thanks to the EHS faculty and students, Cobb and other people suffering from breast cancer can feel greatly supported and appreciative of the sentiment towards the cause.

DiNatale spoke for all the Mariella’s Bellas, saying, “We all decided to walk because we can’t walk away.”