Sundling Students Remember Teacher

Walter Sundling Junior High teacher Carolyn Baider used to say that she would give up on a student “when pigs fly.”

Although Baider lost her battle with cancer in 2004, her spirit lives on and is remembered annually by teachers and students during the “When Pigs Fly” Charity Walk.

This year about 650 students paid tribute to Baider on Friday, walking the school’s quarter-mile outdoor track. The students also played various games. This year the event benefited the Palatine Food Pantry. Trucks from Palatine Assistance Through Hope (PATH) were used to transport the food.

Paul Klimas, a Sundling teacher and one of the organizers of the event said donated items included gas cards, gift cards, sheets and pillows.

“When you met Carolyn, she was instantly a friend and you knew there was something very special about her,” said Rich Stocker, physical education teacher and co-chair of the walk for Carolyn. “When she passed away, we got together and decided we needed to find a way to continue her legacy.”

Many of the students wore brightly colored T-shirts that included Baider's motto and a cartoon-like pig waving from the cockpit of an airplane. Many students signed their names to the shirts of classmates.

Last year, the event raised more than $6,500, which was given to the Make A Wish Foundation, along with almost 3,000 food items, officials said.

A total of $60,000 has been raised over the past five years and as of Friday morning, $6,000 has been raised so far this year.