Neighbor News
Local Students Running Away from Drugs
Community Invited to Participate in 5K and Support Local Students
When students in the 7th grade class at East Norriton Middle School decided they wanted to do
something unique with the grant money they received from Communities in Schools Pennsylvania
(CISPA), they went straight to their gifted education teacher, Victoria Strickland. They knew she would
help them craft a creative opportunity to carry out the mission of the grant, which is to spread positive
messages of teens being drug and alcohol free.
The project is part of CISPA’s 2inspire statewide campaign to stand together and say no to drugs. Mrs.
Strickland’s students weren’t just looking to spread that message across their middle school campus.
Instead, they wanted to reach the entire East Norriton Community. After lengthy collaboration, the
students decided to plan the ENMS 2inspire 5K Run / Walk.
The event will take place on Saturday, June 4 at 10:00 a.m., with the run and walk starting at the East
Norriton Township Building. As with any community events, there’s a lot of work to be done in the days
leading up to the project. While the students are creating fliers, tee-shirts and bulletin boards advertising
the event, they’re also working to establish connections with area publications in hopes of securing preevent
publicity. Their goal - to get as many community members as possible involved to spread the word
about the importance of keeping teenagers drug and alcohol free.
As part of their preparation, the students have met with Jane Hess, CISPA’s Development and
Communications Coordinator. During that training session, Hess helped students craft positive messaging and gave
them tips to secure sponsorships for the run.
Mrs. Strickland says she was proud when students came up with this unique way to encourage other teens
to say ‘no’ to drugs and alcohol. “The 5K brings community members together to be active while creating
conversation around this very important message,” said Strickland. She added, “I always encourage
students to step out of their comfort zone to try something new, and they have certainly done so with this
event. It has been amazing to watch their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the planning process,
and I am so proud to be their teacher.”
On the day of the walk/run, students will be stationed along the race route, holding signs with messages
of support and cheering on participants.The ENMS 2inspire 5k Run / Walk will truly be an inspirational
event for the entire community.
The 5k will be an actual chip timed event, run by Bryn Mawr Running Company. The cost is $12 per
entry with a $2.50 registration fee. All money raised from entry fees will go toward simply covering the
cost of the 5K. The students will donate any extra money made on the day of the race to the Salvation
Army in Norristown.
To register as a walker or runner, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Norristown/ENMS2inspire5K .
For sponsorship information, contact Victoria Strickland at 610-275-6520 or
vstrickland@nasd.k12.pa.us .
