On April 6, spearheaded by Alexis Krenzer '25, Staples Tuition Grants concluded their very first "Fun Run:" a morning of racing, bouncy-house-jumping, eating, face-painting and partying for the smaller members of the Westport community. The best part? All of the profits are going to aid Staples graduates with undergraduate school costs.
Since 1943, Staples Tuition Grants has helped thousands of graduates achieve their higher education dreams. Last year, they awarded $407,000 to 116 students, in grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,500, attending 79 institutions for the 2023-24 school year. The newly implemented Fun Run, which took place on the grass field by Ginny Parker, is one event of many conducted, and in one day alone raised over $5000. It was not organized by STG, however. Rather, Alexis Krenzer '25 took the task on herself.
"Most people understand the effort and dedication that Staples students put into their education," Krenzer said, "and would agree that all graduates deserve the opportunity to continue their education. Supporting the organization and the Fun Run is an opportunity to help all of these graduates who can’t afford to go to college."
Volunteers were encouraged to sign up through an Instagram page, @stgfunrun, which advertised the event a few months prior. Their main mantra, "Kids Helping Kids," sparked interest among the community. A handful of juniors and sophomores, including Lucas Ceballos-Cala '25, agreed to help. The Staples students ran stations like the bouncy house, the face-painting, the sign-in and medal awarding.
"Technically, my role was as a 'floater,'" Ceballos-Cala said. "I think [the event] went really well. Especially at such an early hour, the turnout and attitude of the kids was great and us volunteers were really able to match their energy and make it a fun experience for all involved."
Running the face-paint and glitter tattoo station was Ella Zhu '25, Daisy Chung '25 and Katie Fitzgerald '25.
"I liked helping out at the fun run because it was nice to be outside with so many people," Fitzgerald said. "The atmosphere was great. My job was face painting. I painted a butterfly and a horse on kids' faces and they loved it."
At the end of the morning, Krenzer delivered a speech discussing the importance of the event and how much they managed to raise.
"I think Alexis did a great job of ensuring that us volunteers understood our jobs and the goals of the event," Ceballos-Cala said. "Upon arriving to the event, I was really pleased at how she had handled the layout. From creating partnerships with several sponsors to making the event an enjoyable one for all the children, I was really impressed with her management."
Donuts and water were served at stations throughout the day. After each race, the runners would rush over to refuel. The station was run by Charlotte Walsh '25 and Thea Hinson '25.
At the end of the day, everyone was a winner: all of the runners, and all of the students in which the profits will be given. In the last 80 years, Staples Tuition Grants have met and surpassed goals as the unspoken need for tuition aid in Westport grows with the rising costs of continuing education. They continuously have events and donation availabilities throughout the year. To learn more, visit staplestuitiongrants.org.