CIS of Wilkes County – Benefit race nets record profit

Benefit race nets record profit

by Zack Luffman
Wilkes Journal-Pilot

With a profit exceeding $15,000 and 259 runners, the CIS Headed to College Race on Saturday raised the most money and drew the largest participation in the event’s six-year history.

Runners from Wilkes and neighboring counties participated in the 8K, 5K or one-mile “fun run” for kids, all ending at the Watson Stage at Wilkes Community College. Runners varied widely in age.

The event raises operating funds for the Communities In Schools (CIS) New Century Scholars program and activities that encourage students to stay in school and attend college. It’s the largest CIS fundraiser. About 50 CIS staff and volunteers helped make the event possible.

“It was great, the weather was good, the volunteers were wonderful and the runners were excited to be here,” said Sherrie Pavlansky, race director and part-time CIS employee.

“There are over 200 kids who have received scholarships from this fund and this race so far. Twenty-four new students each year get the scholarship and this race makes it possible for us to run that program,” said Ms. Pavlansky.

New Century Scholars is a community partnership project with CIS, WCC, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Education Improvement Committee and local businesses that commits last dollar tuition scholarships to sixth-graders planning to attend WCC.

Sixth-graders are nominated by the schools to CIS and after graduation receive their last dollar tuition guarantee to help obtain further education at Wilkes Community College. Currently more than 200 students have been served with college scholarships through this program.

Individuals, groups, churches, and businesses sponsor students for $1,000 each and CIS covers costs of operating the program. Students in the program participate in extracurricular activities and supportive activities like service projects, college tours and workshops.

The 8K (five-mile) race started at 8 a.m. at Central Wilkes Middle School and finished at WCC’s Doc and Merle Watson Stage. The 5K (3.1 miles) race started at WCC and also ended there. The one-mile “fun run” for kids was on WCC’s walking track and ended at the stage.

The top three male and female finishers got trophies in a ceremony. Food was provided for all participants.

The top male finisher and overall winner of the 8K race was Phillip Curley of North Wilkesboro. Laney Browder from Rutherfordton finished first among women in both the 8K and 5K races. The top male finisher in the 5K was Matt Trivette of Roaring River. Lee Johnson was first overall in the one-mile run, while Lacey Triplett finished first among girls.

CIS is a Wilkes United Way agency serving over 3,000 students and families annually.

Race sponsors were Page Interworks, Duke Energy, Wilkes Telecommunications, Lowe’s Home Improvements, Embarq, Carolina West Wireless, Kohl’s, Wilkes Journal Patriot/Carter-Hubbard Publishing Co., CertainTeed, Granite Mortgage, Bumgarner Services, Vannoy & Lankford Plumbing Co, MECI, Northwest General Insurance Agency, Stone Photography, Sam’s Club, Marxen Design Studio, G&B Energy, Wilcox Marketing, Addison Inn, MX Aircraft, Cheek’s Waterworks, Reins-Sturdivant, Scenic Memorial Gardens, Jodi Province, Brame Huie Pharmacy, Michael and Lisa Lentz, Cam and Tammy Finley, Pete Kulynych, Carolina Farm Credit, Meade Mailing Services, Details Professional Auto Cleaning, Biscuitville, Pumpkin Creek Video Productions, Foothills Kung-Fu Arnis Academy, Piedmont Federal Savings and Loan, BB&T, Mike’s Body Shop, Basic Finance, Watco Detailing, Tar Heel Oil, Wilkes Pediatric Clinic, Blue Ridge Tractor, Northern Foothills Tennis Academy, CS Forester Benefits, Brushy Mountain Water, Wilkes Community College, Bojangles-North Wilkesboro, Watco Detailing, Basic Finance, Piedmont Urology, Duncan Electric, Tom Graves, Pepsi of Jonesville and Krispy Kreme.

The N.C. Highway Patrol, N.C. Department of Transportation Wilkesboro Police Department, Brushy Mountain Cyclists, Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department and Wilkes Emergency Services assisted.