On November 5, RGMS will be hosting a 5K Run/Walk at the SV secondary campus in memory of the school’s namesake, Ryan Gloyer.
This year will mark the first annual Ryan Gloyer Memorial 5K Run/Walk. The main goal of the run is to spread awareness of the legacy of Sergeant First Class Ryan Gloyer, who graduated from Seneca Valley in 2000. He was an athlete in high school, and he participated in varsity soccer as well as track and field. When he joined the military, his attention to his physical fitness was noted by his fellow soldiers. Gloyer was killed in action in November, 2016, in Kunduz, Afghanistan.
According to Ms. Antoinette Mersing, SV Director of Advancement, the idea for the run came about eight months ago, when one of Ryan’s childhood friends, Marybeth Keally, approached the SV Foundation about hosting an event. “The run is a conglomeration of several things, one of which being the fulfillment of a promise that was made when our middle school was historically renamed to Ryan Middle Gloyer Middle School which was to host an annual event that preserves Ryan’s legacy,” Ms. Mersing said.
The 5K Run/Walk is being held to commemorate Ryan’s memory and to show how he made a positive impact on everyone who knew him. It is hoped that Ryan Gloyer will become a role model for everyone who goes to Seneca Valley and that students will learn to be more like him and spread kindness and compassion to others. Proceeds from the race will go towards Ryan Gloyer Middle School initiatives and the Ryan Gloyer Memorial Scholarship. These special programs will be geared toward things that Ryan was passionate about like physical fitness, performing arts, character building, and how to be a great leader. “Things that will inspire our 7th and 8th graders for many years to come,” Ms. Mersing said.
The race will take place this Sunday at 9 a.m. with 340 participants, 40 volunteers and 15 vendors that will share community resources, offer complimentary products, like DQ Dilly Bars (yum!) and services, as well as SV merchandise. Come out to support the runners and a great cause!