RV Red Devils Dash to Support U.S. Military

Mount Holly, N.J. – Students and staff of Rancocas Valley Regional High School (RVRHS) recently welcomed the community to what has become a signature event for the district – the RV Devil Dash. In its eighth year, this obstacle course race has raised more than $140,000 for the Pat Tillman Foundation, senior RVRHS students entering the armed forces and veteran causes, including the purchase of a therapy dog for a Marine with PTSD. This year’s race, held Friday, May 31, raised $20,000 and counting through participant entry fees and individual and corporate donations.

The 2019 Devil Dash kicked off with the landing of a medical transport helicopter by Cooper University Hospital to deliver a $5,000 check on behalf of the hospital. Guest speakers welcomed and energized attendees, including Assemblyman Ryan Peters, a former Navy SEAL; Ethan Armstrong, development manager with the Pat Tillman Foundation; Dr. Antoinette Shields, a Pat Tillman Foundation scholarship recipient; and RVRHS administrators and staff.

“The high level of participation in our Devil Dash, year after year, speaks to the spirit of our school district and the overwhelming support we receive from our community,” said RVRHS Superintendent Christopher Heilig, Ed.D. “We have a drive to give back, a drive to support one another, and this drive is genuine.”

RVRHS Guidance Counselor Donna Aromando organizes the race each year, overseeing all logistics, from sponsorships to obstacles – there were 45 this year over the one-mile course. She has help from a committee made up of RVRHS staff and alumni. Her enthusiasm has helped grow participation from just 240 in the first year to more than 1,000 in the years with highest attendance. The 2019 Devil Dash attracted 580 racers and another 115 volunteers.

“I wanted to give back to that one percent of Americans who give up their freedom to defend all freedoms, especially since we have so many kids participating in our Navy JROTC program and entering the military upon graduating from RV,” said Aromando. “This event allowed me to combine my desire to support our U.S. military with my passion for health and wellness. Countless individuals have embraced my vision and pitched in to make the Devil Dash a highly anticipated event and a success each year in terms of fundraising.”

This year’s Devil Dash paid special tribute to the late Cmdr. Joe Parks, who started the JROTC program at RVRHS. He was a medic for the Marines during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. Up until his passing earlier this year, he remained connected to RVRHS and committed to supporting students.

In addition to Cooper University Hospital, other top sponsors of the 2019 Devil Dash included Rancocas Communities Aligned for Substance Awareness (RCASA), CVS, Westampton Martial Arts, Davis Physical Therapy, Insight Workforce Solutions, Laura Bishop Communications, Sweeney Construction, Teamsters Local 676, Wills Bus Service and Greater Lumberton Regional Business Association.