As the temperature rises so does the excitement as we approach the Be T.R.U.E. 5K run/walk and Wellness Day event on March 21.

Samuel Williams was an honor student, outstanding community volunteer, and Eagle Scout who died in June 2013. The foundation was established to share and continue Sam’s message of being trustworthy, responsible, uplifting and enthusiastic.

These traits are highlighted in the “Be T.R.U.E Leadership Award”. The recipient of the award will be selected from applications from high achieving sophomores. The Program was started in 2014 with the first Be T.R.U.E. – 5K run/walk event in 2014, in Sam’s memory.

The event opens at 9 a.m., and the race is at 11 a.m.. The course will start on the school track and go through the parkland in the surrounding area. No part of the course will be on public roads, so this is a safe event for friends and family.

Registration costs $30 unless the walker/runner is a current student or staff member, in that case it is $20. The event is a way for students to give back to a cause that relates to them. “I feel like every student should come out to the event because Samuel was just a normal student just like all of us and something tragic happened to him that could happen to any of us. This should mean more for students,” junior Gavin Reotutar said.

Each year the event is fun for students. “I enjoyed the event a lot last year. I love to run. That’s the main reason I went but I also went to support Samuel and his family,” freshman Maya Gottesman said.

This year’s event includes a moon bounce, face paint stations, DJ fun music, a raffle and games. “Even if you don’t want to do the walk/run you can still go and enjoy all of the other amazing things the event has to offer,” sophomore Jake Lotenberg said.

Sam leaves a message to care for others, be positive, and work hard to better yourself every day. The Samuel Williams Leadership Foundation will carry Sam’s positive message into the future.