By Kathy L. Collins
It has been five years since “Q,” a student at East Bay High School was brutally attacked and left for dead in the woods by the Bloomingdale Regional Library. While she has become known as the Bloomingdale Library Survivor, students at East Bay High School still call her “Q.”
“Q” was an active member of the Student Government Association (SGA) at East Bay, members of the SGA are organizing the 2nd Annual 5K4Q 5K race and one mile fun run for her benefit. The East Bay High School 5K4Q Run will be held on Saturday, May 18 at E.G. Simmons Park located at 2401 19th Ave. NW in Ruskin The 5K race will begin at 8 a.m. and the 1K fun run will begin at 9:15 a.m.
According to Michelle Berland, a senior at East Bay and the president of SGA, “We started this run last year because we wanted to help Q in her efforts to recover. Although most of us did not know Q personally before starting the event, we became very close to her as we were planning it. This made the event that much more important to us.” Berland added, “The race is now one of SGA’s main focus throughout the year. We have been planning the race since December in order to make it a success.”
The money raised will help with the cost of her rehabilitation and medical expenses. Berland said, “Q is only continuing to get better with all the support she has. I have seen her make so many remarkable steps in her recovery just within the last year. She is coming a long way.”
East Bay Student Government is offered as a class called Leadership Development. Students must apply for admission. The class leads all activities such as pep rallies, homecoming festivities and Relay for Life. The class sponsor is Remy Ferrario.
The East Bay High School SGA needs the support of the community to make the 5K and one mile fun run a success. Cost to enter the run is $25 for racers, $20 for students with ID and $10 for the one mile fun run.
If you would like to sign up as a runner or become a sponsor, please visit www.facebook.com/5K4QRUN or call 813-364-4655.
