On Mar.25, students and the community came together for the Be T.R.U.E. run, walk and Wellness Day hosted by The Sam Williams Leadership Foundation alongside the National Honors Society (NHS). The foundation was created by his family in 2013 in honor of late student, Sam Williams.

The event included excitement for all ages with face painting, music, and a wellness warm up. Freshly made kettle corn, waffles, hot chocolate, and more were also provided. The walk included laps around the track while the run included the Frost hill, laps around the softball field and tennis courts. Participants were given the option of running, walking or jogging and the mini “Fun Run,” which was ⅓ a mile for 12 and under. “It was a fun way to support a great cause,” freshman Elliana Cortez said.

The acronym Be T.R.U.E. highlights Wiliams’ core qualities: Trustworthy, Responsible, Uplifting and Enthusiastic. After Williams’ passing, his family wanted to do something positive in his honor. “There weren’t any awards for sophomores at Wootton, and Sam has just completed his sophomore year, so Dr. Doran reached out to us to see if we would be willing to support a program for sophomores,” Cathy Williams said.

Teaming up with the NHS, the Sam Williams Leadership Foundation has provided over $40,000 and 18 leadership programs to students at this school. The foundation is unique as it allows the recipient of the Be T.R.U.E. Leadership Award to attend these programs and once they return, plan the NHS events for the following year. “It’s not just an award, it’s the ability to practice what they learned in the training,” Cathy Williams said.

Last year’s recipient, junior Kelly Ren, became involved with the foundation and attended a leadership program at George Mason University last summer. “It was the best summer of my life. I was able to meet a lot of new people and understand other countries’ culture first-hand,” Ren said.

Sam Williams especially enjoyed Paul Kirk’s weightlifting program and AP Government with former teacher, Fevronia Cresham. He participated in track and had a close relationship with late principal Michael Doran and former Vice Principal Jeff Brown. He wished to pursue the U.S. Naval Academy after graduation. “He wanted to serve his country,” Cathy Williams said.

Sam Williams is remembered by his family as an individual who enjoyed giving back to those around him, whether it was by skipping meals to assist younger scouts who were sick or helping friends struggling with schoolwork. “He never sat still; he was always on the move,” Cathy Williams said.

Williams was a dedicated Boy Scout who achieved the rank of an Eagle Scout, earning the title of Senior Patrol Leader for his troops. “Scouting was a program that let him practice leadership and do community service all around the county. It’s had a huge impact on Sam,” Cathy Williams said.