OLSH Rally for McNally 5K

The OLSH Rally for McNally Endowed Scholarship 5K was held on June 9 on the OLSH campus.The event, featuring a 5K race, 1 mile walk, and kids' fun run, brought together alumni and other friends of OLSH to raise $4,500 for the Michael McNally Endowed Scholarship Fund. 5K winners were Mark Grogan '07 and Mary Narvett, a 6th grader from Blessed Seelos Academy. Special thanks to sponsors Rohrich Automotive Group, Ohio Valley Hospital, Pierogies Plus, First Steps Pediatrics, Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Robert Waruszewski '07 and family, and Tootsie's Diner; and thanks to committee members Jordan Hinds '02, Katie Purcell '02, Nicholas Michalenko '07, and Bob Waruszewski '07. Below Bob shares his thoughts on the event:

It’s become a mini-class reunion of sorts. Each June, a group of my classmates, along with other alumni, teachers, and members of the OLSH community, gather for a race.

Some are seasoned runners while others rarely take a jog. Yet we all come together in gratitude for our time at OLSH, to honor one of our own, and to support the gift of an OLSH education for those who come after us.

There’s something comforting about returning to the OLSH campus. No matter how many years you’ve been away, it feels like you’re returning home once you drive up the hill and turn onto Woodcrest Avenue.

As I was helping with the event, many memories of high school (good, bad, and indifferent) came to my mind: running to the cemetery in gym class, spending study halls in the senior commons, attending basketball games in the old AAC, etc.

I’m so grateful to the teachers, coaches, and other members of the OLSH family who helped form me into the person I am today.

The race is always a bittersweet experience. On one hand, there’s a joy in reconnecting with old friends and sharing memories. Yet on the other hand, our hearts are sad for Michael, and the difficult journey he has undergone towards recovery after a bike accident so many years ago.

In Romans 12:21 St. Paul says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This event puts those words into practice. While we can’t wave a wand and heal Michael, we honor him, his family, and their strong faith by coming together as a family and supporting Catholic education at OLSH.