www.thesmokesignal.org
By Anita Alem Staff Writer
On Oct. 14, 2012, teachers and students from all over Fremont participated in the fifth annual Run 4 Education at Lake Elizabeth. The fundraiser supports the Guy Emanuele sports fund, which, as a part of the Fremont Education Foundation, provides athletes with grants and scholarships to help them afford equipment for afterschool sports and cheerleading. MSJ staff who participated in the event include Vice Principal Zack Larsen, Government Teacher Nancy Benton, and US History Teacher Jeff Evans. London Olympics torch bearer and Class of 2010 ASB President Kylan Nieh was a speaker at the event. The Fremont Run 4 Education included
run 4 education
adult’s 5K and 10K runs, and a children’s half-mile run. Participants could win awards for run times as well as in more fun categories, such as best costume. Typically, 250 to 350 people participate each year, and in the past seven years, the event has raised more than $100,000 in support for young athletes around FUSD. The run also featured entertainment, face painting, and photo booths. “I hope this will become a year-round initiative of which we will have ongoing sponsorships and smaller events throughout the year that can be made into a ‘Family Fair’ for the Fremont community,” said event organizer Grace Wong. Her company Learning Bee was the primary sponsor. MSJ staff was looking forward to the event immensely, as it was the first time any of them were participating. Benton trained six weeks
US History Teacher Jeff Evans, Vice Principal Zack Larsen, and Government and World History Teacher Nancy Benton participated at Run 4 Education.
The Smoke Signal
Junior Taylor Jang, Senior Lindsey Dobyns, Senior Gurubala Kotta, and Junior Lindy Zeng run for the finish line.
in advance for her first 5K run. Others, such as Larsen, had already completed several competitions and enjoyed the relaxed nature of the Run 4 Education. Teachers were passionate about and motivated by the cause, with Larsen saying, “In these times of diminishing budget, it’s important to contribute to sports programs.” Benton not only competed successfully, but also won a $500 technology grant at the event, as a result of a raffle ticket lottery. The purpose of the grant is to improve technology in the classroom and enhance student learning. Benton currently has a few ideas on how to spend the money, and is debating between converting her whiteboard to an e-board and purchasing ink cartridges. Students who participated spoke positively about the experience. Government classes
provided credit for the event as “Civic Participation,” an assignment that requires seniors to be active citizens in their community. Senior Nicholi Reece was the DJ at the event and played music for five hours. Several athletes of MSJ’s Track and Field Team competed in the event, including Senior Lindsey Dobyns, who participated for the second time, and helped convince her teammates to join. “We ran the 10K with family and friends and it was really fun. It’s good training as well,” Dobyns commented. The Run 4 Education was a resounding success, with a significant increase in participants compared to previous years. MSJ students and teachers hope to participate in similar events and return next year to continue supporting athletics. ▪ photos by staff writer shirby wang
FEATURE INTERACTIVE:
The Smith Center at OHLONE COLLEGE 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
Friday, October 26, 2012
By Vivian Jair and Aamir Rasheed Staff Writers
With Halloween just around the corner, now is the time to hone your candy recognition skills! Can you recognize these popular candies by their delectable insides? See how many you can identify below! ▪
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5.
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7. 8. Answers: 1. Hershey’s Kisses 2. Twizzlers Licorice 3. M&M’s 4. Jelly Belly Jelly Beans 5. Whoppers 6. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup 7. Kit Kat 8. Butterfinger
20 Feature
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