Special Education teacher Ms. Jerdine Nolen (second from left) and English teachers (from left) Ms. Rachel Fulchino, Ms. Shannon Milam, Ms. Hannah Brogi, and Ms. Amy Comberiate pose before the race begins (Photo courtesy of Ms. Milam).

On Oct. 12, 1,400 Howard County teachers, students and community members gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in Columbia to participate in the first ever “Let’s Go HoCo 5K and Fun Run,” sponsored by the Howard County Public School System.

The race, which ran from 8 AM to noon, involved beginner, intermediate and professional level athletes. The event was also separated into two specialty races of different lengths, the 5K and the one mile fun run.

“Let’s Go HoCo” was the brainchild of HCPSS Superintendent, Dr. Renee Foose, who hopes to further the county’s goal of promoting health, wellness and an active lifestyle in the community at large. In addition, all of the profits raised from the 5K race and Fun Run will be donated to the Pupil Personnel Worker Fund, which aims to support students and families in need of financial and academic assistance.

Mt. Hebron was one of the best-represented schools at the event, with more than 50 staff members and their families participating in the race as a way of celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary this year. Clad in custom-made gold T-shirts designed by Principal Scott Ruehl, Mt. Hebron administrators and teachers performed well in both the 5K and the one-mile fun run.

Math teacher Ms. Leigh Miles was the first Mt. Hebron to runner to cross the finish line. Ms. Miles finished in 2nd place in her age group and in 31st place overall.

“My favorite part was getting to run with all the other staff members,” Ms. Miles stated humbly.

“It was fun to have so many representatives from Mt. Hebron,” added English teacher Ms. Shannon Milam. “It was great to see so many people participate in a race on an early Sunday morning.”

Ms. Milam completed the 5K alongside fellow English teacher Ms. Hannah Brogi, who finished the race in 31st place in her age group.

“If I hadn’t been running with Ms. Milam, I would’ve slowed down by the second mile mark,” said Ms. Brogi. “But she kept pushing me to do my best.”

Mr. Ruehl, who participated in his very first 5K on Sunday, described feelings of excitement and anticipation leading up to the race,  and concluded that he had a wonderful time promoting wellness with his fellow staff members to show just what Mt. Hebron can do.

Five-year-old Camila Cornell (left), daughter of former Mt. Hebron Spanish teacher and current HCPSS World Languages Resource teacher Ms. Jennifer Cornell, and six-year-old Wild Thing, Paolo Fulchino (right), son of English teacher Ms. Rachel Fulchino, celebrate finishing the Fun Run.

Mt. Hebron’s new Vice Principal, Mr. Dwayne Williams, also found the experience to be gratifying and rewarding.

“I really enjoyed seeing the kids participating in the race and Fun-Run with their parents and being active members in their community,” commented Mr. Williams.

Dr. Foose intends to make “Let’s Go HoCo” an annual event, and given the positive reaction shown by Mr. Ruehl, Mr. Williams and numerous other staff members, the Vikings will likely be found at the event every year, demonstrating the strength of our community and our devotion to promoting a healthy lifestyle.