The 11th annual Samuel Williams 5K is set to take place on Mar. 22 and the National Honors Society has been planning extensively to make this event happen.
The 5K, also known as the Be T.R.U.E. 5K, was started in memory of a student named Sam Williams who passed away in a car accident in 2013. The NHS works closely with the Sam Williams Foundation, along with Williams’ mother, to host the 5K. “Sam was a leader at Wootton and the foundation was created to honor his memory,” NHS co-sponsor Jennifer Bauer said.
As the 5K is designed to involve a large number of people in the community, NHS plays a crucial role in organizing and promoting the event. NHS has been meeting once a month to prepare and volunteers will staff the event. “Given its large scale, NHS is responsible for recruiting volunteers to assist with various logistical aspects of the race. Since the event is primarily student-run, NHS also focuses on spreading awareness and increasing race sign-ups. This includes promoting the race through social media, posting flyers around the school and community, and sending emails to parents and teachers,” NHS junior board member Ryan Shin said.
The event will not only include the 5K itself, but also other activities for participants of all ages. “[The 5K] provides an amazing opportunity for students to have fun with their friends and connect with many people and organizations in the community. In addition to the run, there will be many games on the field, a variety of foods, face painting and plenty of other exciting attractions,” NHS junior board member Vikram Reddy said.
Registration for the 5K closed on Mar. 1 and the funds collected from the race will provide for the Be T.R.U.E. Leadership Award, which gives a chosen student the opportunity to participate in specialized leadership programs. “Every year, the money raised from the race is used to offer a sophomore student a scholarship to a leadership opportunity in the area. Past sophomores have gone to summer programs at George Mason, American University and Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland,” NHS co-sponsor Anne-Marie Steppling said.
The 5K strives to unite the community and remember Sam’s message to be trustworthy, responsible, uplifting and enthusiastic in helping others. This event, along with the Sam Williams Foundation, strives to continue to keep Sam’s memory alive and share his positive message with as many people as possible.
