The Valley Stream Central High School District recently hosted a successful 5K run/walk in honor of the 25th anniversary of September 11, drawing hundreds of runners, walkers, students, staff and community members to Valley Stream Central High School. The event, called the “25 Years of Resilience” 5K, benefited the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit that supports veterans, first responders and the families of those lost in the September 11 attacks.
The race raised nearly $10,000, more than tripling the District’s original fundraising goal. District officials credited the turnout to a broad show of community support, thanking the teachers, staff, district administrators, clubs, honor societies, race coordinators and custodial staff who helped make the day possible.
Student Uptej Ghotra won the race overall with a time of 17:04.34, finishing first out of 327 participants. Alison LaBar took first place among female finishers with a time of 21:29.02.
Student results:
- Olivia Castang, 1st place student: 23:51.52
- Jacob Leo, 2nd place student: 18:45.98
- Cael Javier, 3rd place student: 18:59.26
- Ellie Yau, 2nd place female student: 24:57.23
- Kyle Farina, 3rd place male student: 19:01.00
Staff results:
- Matthew Franolich, 1st place male staff: 21:56.34
- Peter Mastrota, 2nd place male staff: 22:32.03
- Angelica Ansbacher, 2nd place female staff: 21:39.28
Hundreds of students, staff and community members gathered for the Valley Stream Central High School District’s inaugural September 11 5k run/walk fundraiser.
Overall winner Uptej Ghotra during the 5k.
The 5k drew 327 participants.
The top three staff runners with the event’s organizers.
The event commemorated the 25th anniversary of 9/11.