Students at Ison Springs Elementary School went home Friday with new shoes courtesy of juniors at Mount Vernon School.
Mount Vernon School senior Colin Maher used funds raised through his second year of the Cocoa Classic 5K Run to purchase shoes for approximately 475 students. In 2023 he founded the race as an Eagle Scout project. Funds raised last year were used to pay for shoes for students at Lake Forest Elementary School.
This year, Maher enlisted the help of two-time Olympic medalist Rose Marie White, who won silver in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. She and her teammates represented Jamaica in the women's 4×100 meter relay at both Olympics.
White said she loves Maher's work and the importance of helping children in need.
Mr. White taught the students at Sandy Springs that life is never easy, and that life is full of ups and downs, like going through a dark tunnel.
“If you give up, you won't see the light. But if you keep going, someday you'll see the light,” she said.
Maher said he received support from Mercedes and several local training centers for this year's fundraiser. More money was raised this year than last year, but since Ison Springs has fewer students than Lake Forest, the remaining funds will be used for next year's shoe giveaway.
His charity has partnered with Shoes That Fit, a nonprofit organization that donates new athletic shoes to elementary school children in need across the United States.
“I'm really happy to see the smiles on the children's faces,” Maher said.
He said he was especially happy to be able to help new students who have started attending Ison Springs since the shoe giveaway was planned.
“It was really nice to see his face light up when the fit was perfect and not too tight. It was a very fulfilling day,” Maher said.
?Mahar plans to do this giveaway again next year, but hopes to pass this project on to other students after he graduates from university.
Ison Springs Principal Rakasha Lee said what's important about Maher's initiative is that it provides a sense of community. We believe that having someone from outside who doesn't know much about the school can have a positive impact on Ison Springs students.
“It teaches students values that prepare them for what to look forward to,” she said.
