Over 70 students, teachers and other members of the Annandale community assembled in the parking lot of Lake Accotink Park early on Saturday, April 10 in anticipation of the annual Walk for Darfur. As they donated money and filled out medical forms, prior to the event’s start, many chatted with friends.  At approximately 10:30 am, senior Danielle Johnson grabbed a microphone, and warmly welcomed the crowd. Then, they all began their roughly 3.5 mile trek through the trails surrounding Lake Accotink.

The Walk for Darfur, which was organized by the AHS Key Club, STAND organization, and the IB Diploma candidates of the class of 2010, was held as a charity event to help to end the genocide that is currently in Darfur. Though this human rights tragedy has been going on for years, the first walk took place in 2007. “It’s kinda sad because it’s been so long,” said senior Zainab Ibrahim, an IB Diploma candidate and volunteer.

Despite the harsh winds and decrease in temperature from earlier in the week, participants walked and ran. Many were accompanied by their friends, family, and dogs. As they walked, they were able to view the beautiful scenery. They were also able to stop and reflect upon information about the genocide.

Impacting messages, such as “Over the past five years, over 400,000 Darfurian people have been killed,” were writtien on white boards, held by the Key Club members, and read by the walkers. The messages and walk itself, increased the awareness of the genocide in Darfur. “I think it’s a good cause that people should help with. We can’t all go to Africa to help, so we should do what little we can here,” said sophomore Sarah Knenlein, who assisted the Key Club and participated in the walk.

After the walk, participants and volunteers were able to rest their legs and enjoy an abundance of food. The food and water bottles given to participants at the beginning of the walk were donated by Noodles & Company and Key Club members. Since there was a surplus of food when everyone was finished eating, the leftovers were donated to the homeless shelter at Bailey’s Crossroads. Students and faculty members are also encouraged to go to the Noodles & Company located on Strawberry Lane in Fall Church (right off the Beltway’s Gallows Road exit) on Saturday, April 17 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm for the “Night for Darfur Benefit,” organized by the IB Diploma candidates of the class of 2010. During this event, 25 percent of proceeds will be donated to the ongoing efforts to end the Darfurian genocide.