More Than a Race: Students Shine at Annual 5K

Our school’s annual 5K is always a highlight of the year but
this year, it was one student’s finish that captured the heart
of why we do it. Though he crossed the finish line last, his
smile stretched the farthest.

“I passed the finish line, I had a whole group cheering
me on, and…MY GUY!” he shouted, as he pointed to the
volunteer who stuck by his side for every single step. Later,
when someone asked how the race went, he beamed and
declared it “the best day ever!”

That’s what the 5K is all about. While it’s a chance for our
students to get outside, move their bodies and celebrate
healthy habits, it’s also full of deeper lessons: perseverance,
encouragement, showing up for each other and believing in
yourself, even when the journey feels long.

Homelessness often strips away the luxury of planning for
long-term goals. When families are focused on immediate
needs like food, shelter and safety it can be hard to imagine
a future beyond today.

That’s why we train for the 5K all semester long, so our
students can experience the power of setting a goal,
working toward it and crossing the finish line with pride. It’s a
reminder that they can do big things.

Parents joined in the day’s celebration, too. Some walked or
ran the race alongside their children and others cheered with
joy and pride at the finish line. Those moments of shared
success were powerful reminders of family strength and
community support.

“When our students cross that finish line, whether they
run, walk or take breaks along the way, they’re learning
something that will stick with them far beyond today,” said
P.E. Coach and Lead Classroom Assistant Gill Dudley.

“They’re learning that even if something feels big or hard,
they can dig deep and reach their goal, and they don’t have
to do it alone.”

That message was felt in every high-five, every water break
shared with a volunteer and every parent cheering as their
child crossed the line. This race didn’t just celebrate the
finish, but affirmed something deeper: that every kid at
Positive Tomorrows is capable of big accomplishments.

We couldn’t do any of this without our community.
Volunteers, donors and champions like YOU who show up,
again and again, to make sure our students and families
have every chance to feel strong, celebrated and capable of
crossing their own finish lines.