At Juniata Valley High School, seniors are required to either complete a senior project consisting of 25 hours and benefiting a cause or do 15 hours of community service in order to graduate. Seniors Eve McCrum and Brianna Irvin chose to complete a project benefiting CHAMP. What better way to accomplish that than doing a 5K walk and run amidst the fall foliage?

On Saturday, October 4th, at 10am, the race commenced. The runners and walkers began racing for a cause. A couple came in first for the overall winners of the male and female walk, Seth and Holly Morrison. A Senior on the Juniata Valley Cross Country team, Caden Walters, won the overall male run. Maggie Barton, another member of the Juniata Valley Junior High Cross Country team, finished first for the overall female runner. Barton expressed, “I had a great time hanging out with everyone and helping support CHAMP by doing what I love.” The event also consisted of a bake sale and basket raffle. Participants and spectators could get a delicious treat after racing or while cheering others on. They could also test their luck by taking chances on the fall baskets that were available. 

Juniata Valley’s Cross Country Head Coach, Dolores Gahagan, stated, “I am always proud of the students in our school who support CHAMP through fundraising activities and events. I was proud that my cross country team was part of their special day.”

After long hours of work and lots of dedication, McCrum and Irvin raised over $2,500 for CHAMP. “It was a successful event that supported an amazing cause. We are very grateful for everyone that showed up and participated, it was a great turnout and appreciate all the support for CHAMP,” commented McCrum.