BUFORD, Ga., -This weekend 300 participants will socially distance themselves while running a 5k course around Buford High School (BHS). The Cookies and Cocoa 5k began as a small fundraiser last year, now in its second year, has become a fundraising tradition for the Buford community.
Led by Buford City School’s Career and Technical Student Organizations, FCCLA, Skills USA, DECA, FBLA, HOSA, and TSA chapters, a portion of the proceeds from the race will be donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).
Approximately 700 chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies will be handed out after the race, all in sealed packages, made from scratch by the FCCLA members. The event has adapted to the continued presence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Runners will be socially distanced and cookies and cocoa all safely packaged for enjoyment outside.
Last year the event raised $10,000 which included a large portion of corporate sponsorships from the businesses in and around the Buford community.
FCCLA, DECA, HOSA Officers are excited about this year’s race. “Seeing that big check and the actual amount we were able to contribute by working hard and asking our community and our schools to come out and participate was so memorable,” said Sterritt, a student at BHS, FCCLA Officer, and HOSA member.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic the Career Technical Student Organizations have been devoted to finding a way to still host the event and keep it safe and fun.
“We were afraid at first we might have to cancel but we have been able to think creatively and make preparations and take precautions so that runners will be safe to run socially distanced.” Said Curry, an FCCLA and DECA Officer.
Mr. Nicholas Beshiri, who teaches in the school's graphic communications pathway said the proceeds that aren't donated fund program needs.
“We knew there would be more obstacles in planning for the race this year due to COVID-19 and we didn't know what the turn out for the race would be, but the support from the community this year has been great! We have been able to get more sponsorships than last year and we currently have close to 300 people signed up to run and still counting."
Bershiri went on to add, "I am very thankful we are able to have the event this year to benefit both Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Buford City Schools Career Technology Education programs.”
The chapter officers and members worked to promote this year’s 5k by using social media ads, flyers in the community and schools, and collaborating with their middle school counterparts.
According to Alvarez, “We hope that we can get the future 9th graders, who are in FCCLA as 8th graders, encouraged to take the torch and keep this going.”
FCCLA is one of the many clubs within the Career Technology Education Department at BHS. Mrs. Jennifer Wood serves as Department Head at the High School and as FCCLA sponsor. “These students really do work so hard on these projects. They put the time in going around the community and gaining corporate sponsorships, educating the public about the event, and truly caring about the legacy they leave.”
The club’s officers all hope that this annual race can be an aspect of their legacy even after they graduate. “Who knows? We can even come back to help support this event even when we’re in college, if it’s not too far away.” Said Curry.
Buford High School’s Career Technology Education Department is made up of ten different pathways to meet the needs of its diverse student population. Students from Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA), Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) collaborated for the second year of this event.
According to BHS Principal Teresa Hagelthorn, the event is one of the many ways the BHS students show the team mentality.
“It’s a proud moment for us to see the student-led organizations coming together with the goal of giving back to a cause like CHOA, it shows the community what Buford is about and inspires us to keep working hard to produce this kind of compassion.”
