Denmark Elementary dedicated its walking trail to former students Dallas Weddle and Serenity Wilkes who faced – and overcame – their health challenges.
Despite what they endured – Dallas, 14, with a rare diagnosis that causes tumors and Serenity, 13, with a bone disease that immobilized her most of her life – they had good spirits and positive attitudes as students at Denmark, principal Kimberly Quinn said.
“Those children are overcomers,” she said about the two teenagers. “I saw them overcome. They’re gone from here, but they will forever be Denmark students and a part of this community.”
Surprised at the dedication, Dallas and Serenity, now West Bemis Middle School students, led current Denmark Elementary students along a walking trail that now bears their names: Dallas’ Dash and Serenity’s Walk.
WBBJ TV
April 1, 2021
Denmark Elementary School is renaming their walking trail Serenity Walk and Dallas’ Dash.
The former students, Serenity Wilkes and Dallas Weddle, overcame health issues they battled while attending the school.
The Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension sponsored the dedication to kickoff the initiative, Connected Communities: Walk Across Denmark.
TSU Extension Agent and County Director, Dr. Cane Reeves says the project emphasizes the importance of staying healthy.
“An eight week program to help kids stay active throughout the classroom, throughout the day to collect their steps,” Reeves said.
The winning participants of the initiative will receive a party for their class at the end of the program.