Blue Jay 5K to raise funds for greenhouse

Staff report

NORTH JACKSON

The second annual Blue Jay 5K will kick off at 9 a.m. May 26 behind Jackson Milton High School, where hundreds of people are expected to help raise about $8,000 for a self-watering greenhouse.

The school’s science curriculum changed after hiring two new science teachers — just one reason the school would benefit from the green- house, art teacher and Key Club adviser Katelyn Amendolara said.

“The kids really wanted to have a race,” she said of the fundraiser.

Amendolara, who is wrapping up her second year at JMHS, brought attention to the idea shortly after she was hired. She committed to being active in the Key Club and among the student body, and this event is just one way students are helping to promote the school, she said.

About 275 people registered for the race last year, and Amendolara expects the same this year. Last year’s race raised $8,000, and that money was used to build an academic hall of fame and display case.

Shoe-store chain Second Sole will be officiating the event again this year.

Amendolara, when told last year by Second Sole representatives that she would be lucky to have 100 people participate, was ecstatic after seeing the community’s support for the school and its students.

Registration for this year’s event will begin at 8 a.m. May 25. It will cost $15 for anyone 19 and older and $10 for students 18 and under. Participants also will receive a T-shirt.

Participants also can register online at active.com or by finding the event on Facebook.

Several local businesses, such as Korner Restaurant, Boardman Medical Supply and Pinney Street Legal Scooters are sponsoring this year’s race.

Participants can walk or run the 5K and are eligible to enter several raffles.

Amendolara said she and the students just hope to “leave a mark on the school.”