By Katie Cole

On Sun., April 15, the VTP run/walk/roll 5K took place in the Batavia High School fieldhouse. The 5K was organized by senior Claire VanTreeck and it was meant to raise awareness and money for the Vocational Transitional Program (VTP). It did just that as the event raised almost $3,000.

The VTP is a program that helps students with various disabilities such as autism and down syndrome feel more safe and welcome in their community, as well as helping them interact outside of the classroom and have a fun experience.

The 5K was supposed to take place on the outdoor track, but because of cold and rainy weather, it had to be moved to the indoor track. However, that didn’t stop the success and the fun of the event.

Mrs. Gajos, a physical education teacher at the high school attended the event.

“The 5K was a huge success and Claire did a great job planning it!” Gajos said. “Since it was the first year, no one knew what to expect. At the end of the day, it was very successful and everyone had a great time!”

The 5K had over 150 participants from all over Batavia. While many of them were students from the high school, there were also lots of families and students from the elementary and middle schools.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Lauren Cole, a participant from Rotolo Middle School. “The best part was being able to interact with the kids that were there and everyone was so excited to participate.”

In addition to the many participants, there were 30 volunteers helping VanTreeck’s idea become reality. Many students, teachers, and other adults helped at check-in, handed out T-shirts, set up and took down the event, and cheered on all the racers. The volunteers even helped set up 11 raffle baskets from 29 local businesses. Some of these volunteers were a part of the junior leadership and P.E. Partners program at the high school, a program works with special education students during the school day and during gym class.

The Vocational Transitional Program is a great cause and VanTreeck is looking to make this an annual event at the Batavia High School.