On the hot, sticky morning of May 19^th, over 100 runners and dozens more supporters turned out bright and early for the third annual Joliet Catholic Academy Helping Hands 5k. The event is organized by JCA teacher and St. Francis Academy Alumna Suzi Arnett. All proceeds benefit the JCA Helping Hands Tuition Assistance Fund, which aids current families in need as a result of temporary hardship such as job loss, medical issues, death of a parent, etc.
The 3.1 mile certified chip timed fitness walk/run was followed by the second annual kid’s race on the JCA track called the Lil’ Hill, Lil’ Angel Race as well as a family cookout sponsored by JCA’s Student Council and Parent Association.
Runners took off from the starting line at 8:30 a.m. on Ingalls Avenue in front of the Student Activity Center and 18 short minutes later, Jason Midlock, JCA history and AP European History teacher crossed the finish line proudly sporting his red “Run for Izzo” shirt in honor of former JCA basketball coach Jeremy Izzo. His exact time was 18:15.23. Just a couple minutes later, another one of JCA’s own crossed the finish line as the top female finisher. Meghan Prohaska, math teacher, finished with a time of 20:32.43.
Top student finishers were both freshmen- Harry T. McSteen finishing with a time of 19:40.03 and Meg McNulty, who finished with a time of 20:57.86. They were also the second overall male and female finishers, respectively. The youngest runner was 8 year old Danny Kelley and the oldest participant was 89 year old Eileen Paul, SFA Class of 1942. A complete list of winners and race results can be found at 5k.jca-online.org.
Suzi Arnett would like to thank the 5K planning committee for their months of planning – Steve and Kathy Blotnik, Harry and Marilyn McSteen, Beth Ley, Kathy Hibner, Kristi Kelley, Mark Clarke, and Deb Witmer. She would also like to thank Gloria and Ed Dollinger and the Parent Association, Mary Ragusa and Kris Horn for running the Kids Race, Pat Cardwell and the Joliet Police Department, and all of the student, faculty and staff and parent volunteers. The race would not have been a success without their help.
This year’s Helping Hands 5k was made possible by the following sponsors: Edward Jones -Ed Dollinger, State Farm- John Harrison, JWR- Joliet Water Reconditioning, Adler Roofing, Clean Image Car Wash, CarCare Collision Centers, Blackburn Giegerich Sonntag Funeral Home,  ServPro, Sharp Sports, TM Martial Arts, Traditions, GMT – General Machine and Tool, Martin Whalen Office Supplies, McBrody’s, Rudy’s Gym,  State Farm – Rick Papp, Kegler’s, DLS SFA JCHS JCA Alumni Association, Various In-Kind Donations,  Joliet Police Department,  Joliet Park District, TCBY, Parent Association, Party Hoppers, and Ultra Foods.