History of BALTO

In January 1925, doctors realized that a potentially deadly diphtheria epidemic was poised to sweep through Nome’s (Alaska) young people. The only serum that could stop the outbreak was in Anchorage, nearly a thousand miles away. But the lone aircraft that could quickly deliver the medicine had been dismantled for the winter. In desperation, officials turned to a much lower-tech solution: moving the medicine by sled dog.

Soon, a musher embarked from Anchorage on the first leg of a remarkable dog-sled relay aimed at delivering the needed serum to Nome. More than 20 mushers took part, battling temperatures that rarely rose above 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit and winds that sometimes blew strong enough to knock over sleds and dogs. Reporters brought news of the race to a world suddenly transfixed by the drama in the far north.

Incredibly, just six days later, on February 2, 1925, Gunner Kaassen drove his heroic dog team into the streets of Nome. In the lead of his team was a husky named Balto, whose furry face soon became known around the world. A year later, in honor of the epic trek, admirers erected a statue of Balto in New York City’s Central Park.

Balto was suddenly a world- famous celebrity; for two years after the serum run, the dog and some of his teammates traversed the continental United States as part of a traveling show. After Balto died in 1933, his body was preserved and displayed at Cleveland’s Natural History Museum.

Edmond North High School

Initiating in 1995, the tradition of BALTO Week was begun at Edmond North High School. This is North’s most significant tradition and is held highly as the most exciting and meaningful event of the year. Not only is this a week full of fun and excitement, but an opportunity for our school to give back to the community.

In 1995 the Student Council Leadership Class wanted to begin a charity week. Yes, Swine Week at Edmond Memorial High School was already established and they would argue that we copied their tradition, but North began a week all its own. The name “BALTO Week” is an acronym quite fitting to our school. BALTO stands for “Bring A Light To Others,” and is conveniently the name of a well-known husky as detailed above, which makes BALTO even more suitable considering the mighty husky is our mascot. “Bring A Light To Others,” is exactly what this week is all about. We, united in our efforts, “bring a light” to the lives of our recipients.

Within the past 7 years, North has raised countless dollars for its BALTO recipients. We have raised money for child cancer patients, victims of car accidents, special education students, and the Children’s Hospital, etc. These are only a few examples. It has been an honor to say that our school has chosen to do so much good for the lives of others with great need within our very own community. BALTO Week is a week full of all sorts of exciting student lead activities. All of its events and activities are done strictly for the benefit of BALTO Week. Activities such as assemblies during school, night activities (dances, movie nights, etc.), Northstock (battle of the bands), sales (pizza, t-shirts, etc.), collecting money at school and much more are all done in efforts to raise as much money as possible for our recipient. A day does not go on during this week without something planned that benefits BALTO.

When BALTO Week was first initiated in 1995, North’s goal was set at $5,000. This money was to be raised in order to help a teacher at the school. 7 years later, the goal was set at $55,000 for BALTO 2001. Not only did we meet that goal of $55,000, but we far exceeded it by raising over $81,000! Come 2007, we raised over $140,000. As you can see, BALTO is growing and gets better as the years progress. New traditions are added every year and changes are made in order to help continue the amazing successes of BALTO Week. We are confident in knowing that BALTO will be even better than it was last year, and the trend will continue in 2008 and beyond. The success never stops!

BALTO will be a tradition that lasts forever at Edmond North High School. BALTO will occur year after year, changing the lives of all those who participate. Lives changed are not just those of the recipients, but the students and teachers as well, for BALTO touches everyone. BALTO will carry on far beyond Edmond North. It will live years and years to come in the lives of those we helped, the lives of those who saw the good done, and the lives of those yet to see the amazement found in this great week. If anyone has ever participated in any aspect of BALTO, they would agree that it will forever have an impact.

BALTO Week is a tradition. BALTO Week is a fond memory. BALTO Week changes lives. BALTO Week IS INCREDIBLE!! It truly does "Bring A Light To Others"