Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 250
Value of Time Served: $2,113
Event Amount Raised: $10,000
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Cross Country Running
School: Earl L Vandermeulen High School
Date: September 8, 2024
Location:
Port Jefferson High School
Old Post Road West, Port Jefferson
NY
About:
Earl L. Vandermeulen High School proudly celebrates the success of 10th grader Sean Grossman, who took the initiative to organize and launch the first annual Culper Spy Day 5K on September 8, 2024. Sean’s passion for both history and running came together in this special event, which drew over 300 participants to a scenic 5K course highlighting several historic sites connected to the Culper Ring, a Revolutionary War spy network active during the British occupation of New York City.
The event was a resounding success, raising close to $10,000 for the education programs at the Three Village Historical Society. Sean’s efforts not only spotlighted the area’s rich historical heritage but also showcased the power of youth leadership in making a significant impact on the community.
Sean, inspired by his grandparents who volunteer with the Three Village Historical Society, combined his interest in local history and running to create this event. His grandparents had been seeking new fundraising ideas to support the construction of an education center near the Historical Society’s headquarters in East Setauket. This inspired Sean to step up and take action.
To bring his vision to life, Sean contacted the Strong Island Running Club, which helped him develop a plan for organizing the race. He and his grandmother visited local businesses to secure sponsorships, and with the help of the Strong Island Running Club, the Historical Society’s director, and his grandmother, they created the event’s t-shirts, race bibs, and finalized the race route. Volunteers played a crucial role in managing check-ins and were stationed along the course to assist runners. The event setup began as early as 6 a.m., with the Real Deal Fitness sponsor leading participants through a warm-up before the race began.
Sean’s meticulous planning, which started in June, involved over 200 hours of preparation, and on race day, he had the support of 40 volunteers, including members of the Mt. Sinai football team who helped along the race route and local Boy Scouts who distributed water to the runners. Multiple peers from Port Jefferson High School participated to show their support, adding to the community spirit of the event.
Sean Grossman’s inaugural Culper Spy Day 5K not only raised significant funds for a great cause but also brought the community together through history, fitness, and teamwork. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to recognize Sean’s hard work and dedication, and the community looks forward to seeing the continued growth of this inspiring event.
