Saturday’s 5K begins at 10 a.m. at Mahoney’s Public House, 10714 N.W. Lakeshore Ave., Suite 105. Proceeds will go to The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools, which plans to use the money to bolster the school district’s IMPACT and Back On Track programs. The fundraiser shows students that the community values them, said Tabby Stokes, the district’s school-based mental health program supervisor. “I think this will be a really great way for them to see that they’re not forgotten, that it’s not just us that’s caring about them in our program,” Stokes said. IMPACT and Back On Track “aim to support students to RISE above adversity,” said Elizabeth Mikaele, who oversees the two programs.

RISE stands for Re-engage, Inspire, Support and Empower. IMPACT is also an acronym for Improve, Mind, Pride, Achievement, Character and Teamwork. The two programs are part of Vancouver Success Academy, an alternative learning program that serves about 390 students per year. Mikaele said the state recognizes Vancouver Success Academy as a K-12 school, but currently only grades six through 12 are enrolled. Mikaele said IMPACT became an extension of Back On Track in 2022. The district created Back On Track after a spike in student expulsions during the 2008-09 school year. Initially, volunteers and community donations fueled the program. As the program helped more students become successful, the district formalized it as an educational option, Mikaele said.

“Students who are, what we say, the furthest from educational justice for a number of reasons, maybe from trauma, maybe food or housing insecurity issues … might end up in the program,” Stokes said. Mikaele said the programs teach students to manage anger and cope with stress, among other social-emotional skills. Mahoney’s Public House originally started the Felida Shamrock Run three years ago to address an increase in the need for student support and a decrease in funding. “All programs supported by the Foundation for VPS have continued to have increased needs as the housing crisis in our county/city continues and the cost of living continues to rise,” Mikaele said in email. “Overall, donations to the Foundation for VPS have continued to decline as the economy has experienced this.” Stokes said anyone who’d like to join the 5K can walk, roll or run their way through Raspberry Fields and Felida parks to the finish line. The fastest runners and best dressed will receive prizes. Those who want to support the cause but don’t want to run can sponsor a student’s entry fee.