Leadership hosted the Lucy Run on Saturday to pay homage to sophomore Lucy Lunt along with the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation and the Lunt family. Runners paid a $10 attendance fee and all proceeds are going to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation to raise money for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) research. Lunt, a former M-A student, passed away in early November due to complications with SMA. Lucy was a vibrant member of the community and touched the lives of many.
Campus was filled with pink decorations, boasting custom t-shirts, balloon arches, and bubbles. Attendees wore pink, Lunt’s favorite color.
The Leadership class put considerable effort into the event, even advertising to local elementary and middle schools including Hillview, Oak Knoll, Laurel, and Encinal. “Planning the event was a lot of work, but finding students willing to volunteer was really easy because so many people wanted to chip in to help honor the memory of Lucy,” senior Carley Gracia said.
Just after noon, runners lined up in front of the starting line by the library as Leadership students and the Lunt family cheered the crowd on. Leadership students mapped out the course, drawing chalk paths and arrows around campus. In total, runners completed two laps around the campus, making for a one-mile run.
When students crossed the finish line, swarms of onlookers cheered and greeted the runners with refreshing Otter Pops. Leadership also grilled complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers for attendees on the Green.
Other students sold handmade beaded bracelets made by students and community members to raise money for the cause. Many of the bracelets included messages of encouragement, including the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation’s slogan, “Never Give Up.”
The run was successful and a beautiful homage to Lunt. “The experience was enriching, and I enjoyed it and could tell how much work and dedication went into making it happen,” sophomore Diana Villegas said.
To help with SMA research, you can donate to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation.
