Hampton Alliance for Educational Excellence 5K is a rousing success

The Hampton Alliance for Educational Excellence held its biggest fundraiser of the year — the annual 5K — Oct. 9.

Cloudy skies dissipated early, allowing the sun to shine through on nearly 500 runners ready to raise money for the Hampton School District.

The Hampton Middle School band kicked off the event after a period of stretching conducted by the UPMC Centers for Rehab Services. The Hampton cheerleading squad kept the crowd pumped along the course and at the finish line.

The Kornick family brought home two trophies with Camden Kornick winning first place for the 8-year-old boys and Ella Kornick taking home the first place trophy in the competition for 15-year-old girls. The trophies were made by Hampton High School students and teachers.

“The kids talk about it at school, so they come home excited t participate with their friends in a healthy competition,” said mom Lauren Kornick.

“I am always excited to sign them up because it is for a great cause. The HAEE is a wonderful organization that helps enhance the already wonderful education that Hampton is known for,” Kornick said via email.

Along with the race, raffles were held for gift baskets while fruit and pizza were offered to runners supplied by Wagners, Giant Eagle, Metz and Pasquales Pizza.

“It’s always a fun morning, especially when the weather is good,” Kornick said.

Maureen Perkins, the HAEE president, says that the amount raised is not yet finalized but looks to be between $25,000 and $30,000.