Journal & Topics Media Group

Hersey Boosters Boost Spirits With Virtual 5K


COVID-19 and its countless restrictions have most everyone down, but one local school decided to try and make a difference during these trying times.

The Hersey High School athletic department wanted to lift spirits and get students and families active again. 

The Arlington Heights school’s athletic department, in conjunction with the Hersey Athletic Boosters, announced the inaugural Husky Heroes Virtual 5K Walk/Run. The COVID-19 restrictions made the event run virtually this year, but it worked out fine because it allowed organizers to open the event to the entire community.

Hoping to create unity in the community was one of the goals, along with helping a few organizations along the way.

“Naturally, our kids are looking for some normalcy right now and getting involved can provide a nice emotional lift for them,” Hersey girls track coach Jim Miks said. “We are focusing on a theme of unity — one school, one community, one country, and using this as an opportunity to help educate them as well.”

Participants mapped out their own 3.1-mile course that they could either walk or run between Nov. 4-11. It cost $10 to register and 50% goes to boosters. The remaining 50% and any additional donations or proceeds from t-shirt sales went to Salute, Inc. The local nonprofit is dedicated to helping military veterans and their families overcome obstacles to care and treatment. Salute, Inc. also helps battle homelessness, giving assistance with car payments or repairs to allow them to work and they also help pay for the essentials (groceries, clothing, daycare, uncovered medical bills). They also help make sure utility bills are paid so the lights stay on, water keeps running, trash gets collected and they have a warm house each night. According to the Salute, Inc. website, they have helped over 14,417 military personnel and families, along with donating over $5 million in emergency financial assistance.

Salute, Inc. was formed in 2003 by Arlington Heights natives Will and Mary Beth Beiersdorf.

“We are honored to have been selected as a recipient of the donations from all of the runners and walkers who will take part in this event,” Executive Director of Salute, Inc. Mary Beth Beiersdorf said. “With the cancellation of the Chicago Marathon, our Team Salute lost out on the opportunity to run for our cause so we welcome the opportunity to partner with everyone at Hersey.”

A more educational and poignant moment occurred during a Nov. 4 town hall event through Zoom with three veterans. 

Eric Peterson, Erik Hambrecht and Dan Tsutsumi all participated and shared their stories, wisdom and experiences with the students.

Peterson was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment of the Illinois Army National Guard. He went on to create Project Headspace and Timing after the loss of a friend due to suicide. He also served as a paramedic, a private security contractor medic in the Middle East and eventually a private investigator.

Hambrecht served for seven years in the Army as a Blackhawk pilot and paratrooper. He was deployed in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Tsutsumi is a Prospect alum who was a sergeant in the Marines for eight years with two tours of duty in Iraq. He became a quadriplegic after a freak accident while on Lake Michigan in 2012. He is currently a case manager for Salute, Inc., where he provides assistance to other veterans. 

According to the organization, the session provided an honest look at the challenges returning service men and women face as they transition into civilian life. There was a great deal of interaction as students took advantage of the opportunity to learn about the reason a community event like the 5K takes place.

Peterson, Hambrecht and Tsutsumi connected well with the participants, who saw a glimpse into the humanity and personality of those who serve. It was a night of inspiration.

The 5K drew over 400 participants who raised a lot of money for a good cause. Families, athletes, teammates, friends, neighbors and veterans all participated in the 5K from Nov. 4-11.

It was a special event, said Hersey football coach Joe Pardun.

“This will be a great way to bring people of different backgrounds and experiences together,” Pardun said. “Our athletic department has been working with veterans groups for a number of years and there is always a great connection with veterans and students.”

Hersey hopes to keep this event going for years to come. Miks said they raised around $5,000, but it was more about bringing people together and helping be part of something larger than themselves.

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