Community Corner

'Wounded Warrior' 5k Set for Saturday, May 25

5k run or walk is at Kopf Reservation.

The Avon Lake High School Key Club is organizing its first 5k run/one-mile walk on Saturday, May 25, with one goal in mind: helping those injured while serving the country. They are doing by supporting the Wounded Warrior project.

The race will take runners and walkers through the Kopf Family Reservation. Registration is 9:30 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. The race starts at 11 a.m.

The race was organized by Tyler Jesensky, the club’s immediate past president. Jasensky, a senior at adopted the project when he became president in early 2012. Jesensky said he adopted the Wounded Warrior Project as his term’s project as a mode of appreciation for those who’ve served. He said often veterans, especially those injured, don’t get the attention they first receive.

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“Everyone cares when they first return, the celebrate, but after a week, a month…,” Jasensky said. "We want them to know we appreciate their service to this great thing we call the United States. We just want (veterans) to know we have their backs 24/7 and are so appreciative of them for serving our country.” 

A high school student starting a 5k could be daunting, but Jesensky said he had plenty of help. In addition to the Key Club members and adviser Gjergj Haxhiu, he said the city of Avon Lake was “100 percent” behind him. He also had the support of local businesses including Custom Engraving, (Randall's Team Shop) who printed the T-shirts runners will receive.

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The PTA and Key Club members will be present on Saturday during registration and to hand out water. The Key Club is a service organization and the high school branch of the International Kiwanis Club.

Jasensky’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.

“I’m very proud of him,” Haxhiu said.

Race information        

Racers may pre-register or register on race day. Cost is $25 to pre-register; $30 on race day.  For more information and to pre-register, contact Gjergj Haxhiu at 440-933-6290 or gjergj.haxhiu@avonlakecityschools.org. The Key Club, which is the high school branch of the Kiwanis Club, has dedicated numerous fundraisers to the Wounded Warrior Project including an outing earlier this year at BW3s in Avon Lake.

Contributions for the project are also being accepted. Checks can be made to Avon Lake High School Key Club, attention: Mr. Haxhiu, Avon Lake High School, 175 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake, OH 44012.


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