A splash of color on a global cause

With a little sweat and a lot of heart, a group gathered in downtown Corning on Saturday to support a good cause.

The Southwest Valley Student Council and National Honor Society hosted a color run. The event, which was largely student-organized, was deemed a success despite being postponed one week because of inclement weather.

Temperatures remained chilly on the rescheduled date, but that didn’t deter participants in the first-year event.

Ada Lund was among the students who helped develop the idea for the color run. Runners completed a two-mile course, while walkers covered 1.5 miles.

“I’ve never done a color run or been a part of one, so I thought it would be a new thing for our community to participate in and get a lot of people together,” Lund said.

This marks the second year Southwest Valley students have chosen to support the Thirst Project. The organization, which describes itself as the world’s leading youth water activism organization, partners with middle schools, high schools and colleges to educate students about the global water crisis. It also equips students to organize fundraisers and make a tangible impact.

According to the organization, it has raised several million dollars in just over a decade and funded projects that have provided more than 500,000 people with safe, clean water. SWV students watch a video about the group each year to reinforce the importance of their efforts.

SWV senior Nora Barnes worked at one of the water stations along the route.

“I was just making sure people were going the right way and making sure everyone was staying hydrated,” Barnes said. “I didn’t know what the turnout would be like, which I feel was pretty big for our first year. I loved seeing everybody run by with all the colors. I didn’t know what the shirts would look like by the end of it, but it looks pretty cool.”

Southwest Valley school counselor Rachel Campbell, the NHS adviser, said students had w to hold a color run last year but chose to wait.

“They picked out the colors, how they wanted it done, what medals they wanted to do. Once we had that figured out, it was pretty easy to get it together,” Campbell said. “Weather has been our battle. The kids had really good ideas with it — now we just have to find ways to expand it next year because I know some didn’t get to come today because of the date change.”

Social studies teacher and student council adviser Mike Cormack praised the students for their initiative in planning and carrying out the event.

“I’m just proud of all these students who showed up. It’s a Saturday morning — it’s their free time. They’re coming, they’re helping people in need around the world,” Cormack said. “I can’t speak more highly of the character our kids have here. Every single one of them was willing to stand out in the cold to help others. I can’t be more proud than I am.”