Virtual CK5K

The CK5K is a community event that takes place in the loving memory of Carolyn Keen’10, the passionate and kind member of the cross country and track team who tragically passed away her junior year. The funds of the event go towards a Memorial Scholarship awarded to a rising junior who demonstrates perseverance and devotion towards their school. This year’s scholarship was awarded to Mia Van Mater, a determined individual who like Carolyn, exemplifies the positive qualities of kindness, passion, and spirit.

Mia shares the process that went into the planning of the event. She states that the CK5K committee had zoom meetings almost every week to ensure the virtual event was a success. The committee worked hard to obtain sponsors, as well as to publicly advocate the event to ensure the community was aware of the logistics. Mia expresses her love for the great cause and proclaims, “Although the race was different and went virtual this year, it was great to see the community come together and partake in the race!”

Although the event was virtual this year due to unchangeable circumstances, Gwynedd’s cross country team ran the traditional race course. The team ran it to

gether one day at practice, and cross country team member, Ellie Perry, exclaims,”It was really fun to do as a team and it was for a great cause!”

On the day of the race, the GMA community took to the streets of their neighborhoods and local parks to participate in the CK5K, unwavering in their spirit and support for the event. Girls encouraged their family and friends to run and show their Gwynedd pride throughout the week of September 19th to September 26th. Those who participated wore the red tie-dye CK5K shirt, grateful the event was still able to take place despite COVID-19. With a week of beautiful weather and an inspiring legacy to uphold, the race was a success!

The CK5K is not only an event for the Gwynedd students, but for the community that surrounds the school, including alumnae, faculty, staff, friends, and family. Although the individual participants were separated by social distancing, they were together in their love and respect for the race and the memory of Carolyn Keen. The race is a landmark event that never fails to unite the Gwynedd community. Especially during these unprecedented times, a sense of unity was welc

omed by the participants and no doubt aided in making the 2020 CK5K such a success. The school community may not have physically gathered on the Gwynedd track field this year, but they came together there in spirit through their support.

In all, although this year’s CK5K event was different from previous years, the beloved Gwynedd and community tradition was still a success in loving memory of the caring and compassionate individual, Carolyn Keen.