On April 9, the North Carolina Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy (TCA) Class 32 held a Walk-a-thon involving all of the cadets in the academy. Each TCA class donates a portion of the money they collect to charitable organizations.

On Thursday, Class 32 presented a $1,000 check to Annette H. Smith, chairperson of the Highlands chapter of the American Red Cross. She informed the class that the county would double the amount TCA donated so they were actually responsible for a $2,000 donation.

She explained to the cadets how much the Red Cross helps in the aftermath of disasters and had Drew Wojtanik, Disaster Action Team leader, give an example of how the money would be used when disaster like a home fire happened. The cadets were told how much their contribution meant and how it would be appreciated by people in need from natural disasters and other unforeseen events.