Number of Participants: 8
Hours Donated: 25
Value of Time Served: $1,690
Event Amount Raised: $1,374
Event Type: Schools
Sport: Track and Field
Date: March 4, 2021
Location:
Shepherd Hill Regional High School
Dudley Oxford Road, Dudley
MA
About:
This was a joint, collective effort by members of our Boys and Girls Cross Country/Track programs. This was spearheaded by Christina Gunsalus – gr. 12, Kaitlyn Stevens – gr.12, Samantha Zannotti – gr. 12, Eliza Quinn – gr. 12, Audrey Carragher – gr. 12, Henry Weiland – gr. 12, Matthew Gard – gr. 12, and Eli Harmon – gr.12), although they were assisted by their coaches and teammates in the execution of this event.
John Paire was both an alumnus and educator for 10 years in the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District. Highly regarded by his colleagues and revered by his students, Mr. Paire served as the Dudley Middle School Principal, before transitioning into a role that would allow him to spend more time in the classrooms and with his family. Tragically, Mr. Paire passed away on September 15th, 2017 after his bicycle was struck by an automobile. He left behind countless friends, colleagues, students, and family, including his wife of 8 years, Renee (Gaylord) Paire and their three children: daughter Millie and two sons Lucas and Keegan.
Many of the student-athletes who organized this event knew Mr. Paire either in the classroom or as an administrator. Following his passing, the Friends of John Paire, Inc. Student Support Fund was “…established to help all Dudley-Charlton children have access to an enriched, well-rounded educational experience regardless of economic status” (Facebook Group). The John Paire Support Fund Facebook Group also states: ” Our hearts could not be more filled with love and pride for John Paire. The scope of John’s impact on his friends and community is at the same time overwhelming as is it inspiring. We are hopeful that John’s life and legacy will continue to provide joy and inspiration for years to come. Through each of our own memories of John, he will continue to encourage us in our efforts to do what he has challenged each of us to do. Live today to the fullest because we will never have this day again. And, to be a better person. After all, this will for all of us, be our greatest tribute to the wonderful man we loved and admired.”
In light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Shepherd Hill Boys and Girls Cross Country and Track programs took an idea they had been working on to support the Friends of John Paire, Inc. Student Support Fund, and rapidly shifted to the growing reality. They put in over 25 hours of strategic planning and implementation, including numerous remote meetings, event and tshirt design, and coordinating with outside vendors to facilitate the actual event, which included collecting funds and donations. Thus, the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District News Years Resolution (virtual) 5K was born. Once again considering the factors at play in our pandemic-stricken communities, coupled with the impact and mission of the Friends of John Paire, Inc. Student Support Fund to not only provide for the children of this school district who benefit from its benevolent support, but to “be better”, these student-athletes felt reaffirmed in their decision to donate all profits to the Fund, to “…support our community… [and] give back to those in need during these hard times” (Christina Gunsalus).
The DCRSD New Years Resolution 5K (which the student-athletes hope will become an annual event that can eventually shift to a live, in-person road race) drew in close to 60 participants, and even more t-shirt purchases to support their cause. Ultimately, this group of kind, thoughtful student-athlete leaders raised a total of $1374.33 over the course of their virtual event, which was presented to Mrs. Renee Paire at the Shepherd Hill track complex.
Due to the virtual, remote nature of this event, there weren’t many pictures of implementation, however I have attached photographs from the day these students presented the funds to Mrs. Paire. As an Athletic Department, we continue to be impressed by the maturity, leadership, and creativity these student-athletes demonstrate on and off the course to not only better themselves as young adults, but to especially create change and positively impact our communities at large. We are so proud of these students, as we know Mr. Paire would be, too!