School community gears up for seventh Run for Veterans

JACKSON - McAuliffe Middle School students, staff members, parents and community veterans and residents are invited to walk, run or race around the school in honor of all veterans.

The seventh annual Run for Veterans will be held on Nov. 6 and hundreds of veterans and residents are expected to participate in the annual event, which has been organized by students and staff. The event will benefit veterans organizations and charities.

Proceeds will also benefit the New Jersey World War II Memorial to be built in Trenton in 2007 in cooperation with the Jackson VFW and Veterans of the Vietnam War, New Jersey Post 3.

"The Run for Vets is more amazing every year," McAuliffe Principal Kevin DiEugenio said. "The funds we raise for veterans are great, but even more important is the interaction between our students and the veterans who join us. It's a truly fantastic event and learning experience for our students."

This year the event will take place from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the McAuliffe Middle School, Hope Chapel Road. In the event there is rain on Nov. 6, the rain date will be Nov. 7.

Registration forms are available at the school or can be obtained by going to the McAuliffe Internet Web site http://mcauliffe.jackson.org/home.aspx.

The entry fee is $5 to participate, but not receive a T-shirt; $10 with a T-shirt and $3 for children age 5 and under to participate in the children's games. Members of the active military and veterans may enter for free and are only asked to pay $5 if they would like a T-shirt.

Refreshments will be sold at the event and participants are asked to bring items to be shipped to soldiers on active duty in foreign countries.

Awards will be given in several categories, including the most patriotic runner or walker, and the most patriotic stroller.

Students started working on the event in September with a kickoff patriotic T-shirt design contest. The winning design has been printed on the T-shirt that participants will wear during the event.

The students also interview family members who are veterans to learn more about what being a veteran means to them. They design an award for their veteran, including a picture which is displayed in the Hall of Fame at the school.

Each homeroom has already begun collecting items to be shipped overseas for those who are presently serving throughout the world.