The Sage Informer

The Grinch Chase 5k developed by the local Sangamon Valley CEO Program will take place at Robert Allerton Park (515 Old Timber Road in Monticello) on December 21, 2024 at 9 am. The CEO Program has members from local schools, such as Cerro Gordo, Bement, and Monticello.

Senior member Gabby Block from Bement High School, commented, “To come up with the Grinch Chase 5k, each student was tasked with coming up with ten ideas for a class business. We put all of our ideas on sticky notes and put them on a wall. From there, we narrowed it down to three ideas. Our facilitator, Lisa Sheppard, then had us gather information about our choices and present them to the class so we could get a better idea on each option. Students Micheal Freese from Cerro Gordo and Monticello’s Cannon Ureno presented the Grinch Chase 5k idea with a well thought-out slideshow taking inspiration from the Illini’s famous 777 Yard Dash. The class voted on an official class business event, and the 5k came out on top.” 

“This event will help us work together as a team,” Block also remarked. “Each student is finding their roles and helping the class in their own unique way, and we are all gaining confidence and real-world experience, since we coordinate with adults, solve problems, and gather sponsorships by ourselves. This will also challenge us, put our dedication to the test, and prepare us for future projects where we have to work in teams. Personally, this CEO Program is boosting my confidence and helping me grow my connections with business owners all over the area. I am more comfortable talking to adults, and have better business skills such as sending invoices, time management, public speaking, and professionalism. This class is definitely preparing each student for whatever their future holds.” 

Senior Russ Brown from Monticello High School, another member of the CEO program, commented on how much money they are planning to raise from this event. “We are wanting to raise around $4,800 which will be used for grants for our individual businesses.” 

Join them for an exciting event with fun for all ages including prizes for overall male and female winners, age group winners, and Best Costume. Registrations for this Grinch Chase 5k at raceroster.com are open now!

Ava Wilson, Staff Writer

wilav26@sages.us