This past St. Patrick’s Day Sunday was the REACH Foundation’s 12th Shamrock ’N Run for PYLUSD. The REACH Foundation was created in 2012 as “Resources for the Enrichment of Academics, Arts & Athletics for our Children to reach their ultimate Heights!”
The event allows PYL residents and organizations to support PYLUSD students’ “learning experiences in Arts, Academics and Athletics,” as well as “enrich, inspire and engage learners through educational experiences in collaboration with PYLUSD and our community” (reach4pylusd.org).
Volunteers and organizers started setting up at 5:30am, in freezing cold weather while it was still dark out. Tents and tables for booths were already designated for vendors to easily prepare their stations.
As the sun rose, the crowds started to trickle in and soon it was time for the 5K.
While runners set off to achieve personal record times as well as enjoy the fresh spring air, local community leaders gave speeches, and middle school bands provided live music.
The first finishers were Mustangs Toren Habbestad (11) and Adrian Wellmeyer (12) coming in at 17:02.88 and 17:02.97 respectively.
Other notable mentions include Isabella Wroblewski (9) and Emily Maurer (9), both freshmen that will undoubtedly prove to be dominant performers in YLHS Track for years to come.
There were cups of water conveniently provided by the Yorba Linda Water District, and fresh fruits courtesy of the REACH Foundation.
Avery Seaman (11) volunteered that day to pass out water and assorted fruits to the runners. He says that “it was great to see YLHS students participating in the 5K and 2K.”
YLHS Mustangs Leonardo Chi (12) and Angelo Messina (11) ran the First Lego League table that day. They are the club leaders that allow younger PYLUSD students to be exposed to STEM earlier in their educational careers, enabling them to discover and further their passions.
“I loved seeing community members engaging with education and city leaders and can’t wait to volunteer next year!”
— Mia Nunez (11)
Some local vendors that tabled as sponsors include Face Painting by Tiffany (facepaintingbytiffany.com), the Cookie Element (thecookieelement.com) and the Yorba Linda Parks and Recreation Department (Parks & Recreation | Yorba Linda, CA (yorbalindaca.gov). The SoCal Quick Track Club (Quick Track Club) and Girl Scouts of Orange County (Join | Girl Scouts (girlscoutsoc.org) were also really popular stands.
Mia Nunez (11) expressed that she “loved seeing community members engaging with education and city leaders and can’t wait to volunteer next year!”
To see the results, visit this link: adventuresignup.com
For more information about the REACH Foundation, visit this link: https://reach4pylusd.org
