Norristown Students 'Run Away From Drugs,' Hold 5K Race For Awareness

NORRISTOWN, PA -- 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 .