During Tuesday night’s meeting, the Roseboro town board promised its support of Roseboro Elementary School’s latest endeavor — starting a 5K run in Roseboro.
Jessica Eason, the guidance counselor at Roseboro Elementary School, shared with the board the school’s plans to organize a 5K, or 3.1 mile, run that would involve the whole community.
Eason explained that the idea grew out of an existing after-school program called Girls on the Run/Team P.R.I.D.E.
According to the guidance counselor, Girls on the Run is a YMCA program, and Team P.R.I.D.E. is Roseboro Elementary’s team. Eason noted that P.R.I.D.E. stands for positive, respectful, independent, determined, and extraordinary.
“These are all characteristics that we want our girls to have,” said Eason as she explained that the program isn’t just about running but about building character and self-esteem in young girls.
“We want to expand on what we’ve already started and get the community involved,” added Eason. “We’d love for it to become an annual event in Roseboro.”
Eason shared that the plan is to hold the race Saturday, May 4, 2013. “We’re going to call the race Running with P.R.I.D.E,” said Eason.
She presented a Power Point slide show to board members, explaining to them some possible race courses the school is considering. “We’d like to start the race in the town park,” she acknowledged. “We will be working with the sheriff’s Department to make sure that we choose safe routes.”
Mayor David Alexander, who had been nodding his head in approval throughout Eason’s presentation, noted that the school seemed to have already made good decisions as they thought through possible race courses. “Looks like you’re keeping off the main streets.”
Eason mentioned that she and the other race organizers would like to finish off the race with a community day, which she thought Lakewood High School would be helping with too.
As far as the funds raised from the race go, Eason assured the board that the proceeds will stay local to the town of Roseboro.
When she welcomed questions or comments, commissioner Roland Hall asked about the race participants. “Now, boys can run in the race too?”
“Absolutely,” responded Eason with a smile. “It’s for the whole community so everyone can participate. Boys, girls, men, and women.”
“And you don’t have to run it, you can walk right?” asked commissioner Alice Butler.
“Yes, you can walk or run. It doesn’t matter,” answered Eason. “We teach our girls that you don’t have to run the fastest or the farthest. You just have to reach your goal. What’s important is that you finish the race. It’s all about doing your best.”
“Well, I think this is absolutely wonderful,” said Butler.
Mayor Alexander added that “you’ll definitely have support with this.”
Lauren Williams can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 123 or via email at lwilliams@civitasmedia.com.
Post a Comment
