Students from Grade 6/7/8 accompanied by several staff members from Central Algoma Secondary School gathered early Thursday afternoon near the intersection of Kensington Road and Highway 17 to welcome, and show their support for Joe Roberts and the Push For Change.
Students walked with Roberts to the school for a ceremonial photo. Several students had the opportunity to assist in pushing Roberts' cart along Kensington Road.
The Desbarats stop on Day 271 marked Roberts 5025 kilometres traveled to date.
Students sat motionless, fixed on Roberts during his 45-minute presentation, an eye-opening snippet of his life, the struggles he faced and how he was successfully able to overcome them, leaving students with positive messages and words of encouragement.
Earlier in the day, Roberts stopped briefly at Thessalon Public School in Thessalon and Arthur Henderson Public Schools in Bruce Mines.
Four police officers from East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police were on hand providing and escort and travel control.
Roberts will be at Echo Bay Central School Jan. 31.
On Feb. 01, a public event is planned in Sault Ste. Marie for Push for Change on Gore Street.