Volleyball team, foundation go extra mile for Plank Junior High School coach and teacher

The seventh grade girls volleyball team at Plank Junior High School in Oswego and the Sather Foundation of Oswego presented teacher and coach, Sean Ferguson, with quite a surprise the morning of March 3.

Ferguson's wife, Christine, has been fighting a very difficult battle with cancer and her road to recovery is just beginning. The girls volleyball team wanted to help out. They took it upon themselves to plan a surprise for their favorite coach. The girls made cookies, bought Ferguson his favorite candy, made a big sign and collected money to purchase his family Visa and Walmart gift cards.

When the Sather Foundation's Blues on Barton committee heard about the team's gesture, they wanted to do more to help out one of the community's beloved educators.

The Blues on Barton committee has announced that Ferguson and his family will be honored at this summer's 5K Fundraiser and Kids Fun Run events in Oswego.

This Blues on Barton summer event began six years ago and has raised more than $153,000 for local families facing hardships.

In statement the foundation commented: "Ferguson has not only been an amazing teacher and volleyball coach to our children, but also an incredible role model. It is with great honor that the Sather Foundation invites the Ferguson family as one of this year's Blues on Barton recipients."

Mark your calendar for Blues on Barton 2020 to be held in the Churchill Club subdivision on Saturday, Aug. 1. The day begins with a Kid Fun Run (one lap around Plank and Churchill Elementary) open to kids of all ages, followed by a chip timed 5K through the Churchill subdivision. Runners, joggers, and walkers are all welcome! After the races, the party continues with a free after party. There will be food, drinks, raffles, a petting zoo, bounce houses, live music, karaoke, and special surprises.

For more information, or to sign up to participate in either race, go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Oswego/BluesOnBarton

You can also find additional information on the Blues on Barton Facebook page.