Flintridge Prep Makes A Big Impact with 5K

Flintridge Prep’s Athletic Council on Leadership recently hosted its first 5K. The student leadership organization, founded in 2008 for varsity athletes, recently hosted a 5K run/walk in Griffith Park. About 270 people attended and about 100 people, not including sponsors, donated money. Altogether, the 5K raised about $13,000 for a very special organization, A World of One’s Own (AWOOO).

A World of One’s Own was founded in 2011 by then-Prep student Naomi Hatanaka as an independent study project after she participated in a life-changing trip to Nicaragua through the school. The goal of the organization is to provide support for children and families seeking treatment at La Mascota, the only pediatric cancer hospital in Nicaragua. Since then, the organization has been a lightning rod for Prep students, providing inspiration for several community impact projects.

The school’s Nicaragua initiative began in 2010, spearheaded by beloved Spanish teacher and Nicaragua native, Manny Nuñez. Working with the children of La Mascota has been part of the trip since the very beginning. Over the years, ACL members have also participated in the program.

The 5K required over a year of planning. Jonah Sacks, who graduated in 2016, originally had the idea to host a 5K after he returned from Nicaragua, and his idea inspired rising seniors to take charge of the event.

“I had not yet visited Nicaragua when Jonah came up with the idea,” says organizer Hanna Barakat ‘17. “When I went that summer, I was struck by the children and families that I met. Their stories, hope and determination moved me. As a rising captain of the Community Service Committee on ACL, I knew that we needed to host some big event for these children.”

Organizer Willow Scott ’17 says the final pay-off for their efforts was more than financial.

“My favorite part of the event was seeing everyone after their run. I was blown away by the positivity and support we received from the general community and how willing everyone was to come out and support such a great cause,” she says.

Flintridge Preparatory School, 4543 Crown Ave., La Cañada Flintridge, (818) 790-1178 or visit www.flintridgeprep.org.