Bloom HS Memorial 5K Organizers 'Aim High' with First Try

In 1999, two Bloom High School NHS members were killed in separate car accidents.

For the past 16 years, the Bloom High School National Honors Society has organized a walk-a-thon in memory of Jeff Woodham and Abrahan Cruz. This year, the NHS is taking a big step forward in honoring their memories and hoping to raise a substantial amount of money, with the first annual Jeff Woodham and Abrahan Cruz Memorial 5K.

In years past, the walk-a-thon raised about $2,000 each year, with the money split between two deserving NHS members for college scholarships. This year, the hope is the 5K could raise twice that amount of money.

“Our goal is to raise $4,000 dollars. Some say that is a bit much for our first event, my members say aim high,” said Elizabeth J. Fushi-Peterson, NHS adviser at Bloom.

The 5K, which originally was a small, low-key event, Fushi-Peterson said, is now growing into a community-wide event with the help of several key players.

“With the help and creative minds of two amazing co-workers, Imelda Gonzalez and Amy Stockwell, and the support of Alderman Josh Deabel, we have turned our quiet walk-a-thon into a full blown community event,” she said. “Celebrating the lives of these amazing boys and honoring at least two of our current members with a scholarship.”

The 5K kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, with packet pickup beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Bloom High School. The cost to participate is $15 for high school students and $30 for adults. All procceeds for the event will go towards the NHS Memorial Scholarship Fund.

For more information about the event, contract Elizabeth Fushi-Peterson at efushi@sd206.org. Runners can register for the event at bloomhs.org.