When the Verde Valley School Dream Run went virtual in 2020, it was done as a way to keep the event going rather than cancel it for a year. This year, it was something of a hybrid event. A total of 43 students and faculty at VVS raced live at the school. But 90 other people raced virtually. 

The event took place on Saturday, March 20. Students and faculty ran either a 5K or 10K on the VVS campus while online registrants ran from wherever they saw fit. In total, there were 90 online registrants and 43 students and more than $5,000 was raised — which will go towards scholarships for Native American Students.

“This year’s Dream Run was on the first day of Spring and what a beautiful day it was,” Coordinator of Native American Programs at VVS, Leigh Carter said. “The weather was sublime” Sunny and crisp without a trace of wind. Most of the students were just happy to be out in the world together, walking and running, and even dipping in the creek.”

“Students were really more concerned about frolicking than finish times,” she added. “It was so wonderful to see students getting out for an event that supports future students at the school.”

There were also prizes given for the first student finishers in both the 5K and 10K, as well as spirit awards. 

The first students to cross the finish line in the 5K were Sergio Ortega and Ella Kraus-McLean. In the 10K, it was Shane LeFevre and Riley Diehl. The award for the student with the most spirit went to Edoardo Gottardi Zamperla while Caleb Kulfan was the faculty member who was awarded the prize for the most spirit.

“The energy that came from the staff and students was incredible,” Vanessa Trujillo-Tenbrink, Executive Assistant to the Head of School & Advancement Associate said. “For me, the best part of race day was seeing the camaraderie between the students. As each one came around the bend, up Verde Valley Way, the hoots, hollers and cheers echoed through campus vibrantly.”

While the ongoing pandemic continued to make having an online component necessary, it also served as a way for the people at VVS to connect with alumni and other people from around the world who wanted to participate.

And while the Dream Run is only in its fifth year, Carter shared how pleasantly surprised she was that the event has turned into a tradition. 

“The surprising thing about this year’s Dream Run was how much it felt like a bonding tradition,” Carter said. “The event is in its 5th year now and it really feels like an expected part of springtime at VVS.”  

“Students came out with tons of spirit to show their love for the cause and to support one another with open hearts,” Carter added. “We played the VVS Dream Run playlist at the start/finish line and it felt like a party.”