West Essex Foundation for Education Hosts Successful 5K

The West Essex Foundation for Education raised more than $35,000 at its "Trotting for Technology" USATF Certified 5K Race & Walk Sunday, May 18 at West Essex Regional High School.

 Trophies were awarded to overall winners in 10 age groups. Students, faculty, administrators, board of education members and runners came out to support the event on a beautiful day.

"What an amazing day it was!" said WEFE President Cari Moscowitz. "We had over 420 registered runners and more than 50 volunteers, including parents, students, teachers and staff. The proceeds from the 5K go directly to enhancing the technology in the West Essex School District in an ongoing effort to provide our students with the best available learning tools. WEFE is so grateful to every participant who helped to make this event such a huge success."

Alex Alvarado of Nutley came in first overall in the race and took home the trophy. Second place overall went to Nicolas Murphy of Hoboken, the track coach at Cedar Grove High School. West Essex High School senior Daniel Kenny, a member of the track team, came in third place and was the first high school student to cross the finish line. Eighth grader Ryder Morrello of North Caldwell was the first middle school student to finish the 5K at 20:45. Ryder's cousin Kimara McDonald of Hoboken, NJ won first place overall as the first female runner.

"I play sports all year round and I like running, it I thought it would be fun to run in the 5K," said West Essex eighth grader Alex Apito of Roseland.