(Posted Sept. 29, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
What do you do when your fundraisers exceed expectations? If you’re the junior class at Southeastern High School, you look for ways to share your good fortune.
Thanks to great community support the past two years, proceeds from the third annual junior class 5K run/walk will go not only to junior-senior prom expenses but also to local resident Todd Banion who is battling cancer. The event is set for Oct. 29.
“We wanted to give back to the community because the community has done so much for us,” said Bryn Dean, junior-senior class advisor.
Banion is a lifelong South Charleston resident and 1982 Southeastern graduate. He and his wife, CeCile, have four children and one grandchild. Banion has been involved in the community primarily through the school’s athletics programs, serving as a coach and making sure the football fields and concessions were ready.
In November 2014, Banion was diagnosed with Stage 3 metastatic melanoma. He has since endured several surgeries and treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy. He is now at Stage 4 melanoma and about to start a new treatment involving intravenous immunotherapy.
Proceeds from the Canter for Cancer Costume Fun Run will be split evenly between the school prom and the Banion family. Also, a fund at Security National Bank in South Charleston is accepting donations to benefit the family.
The 5K starts and finishes at 9 a.m. Oct. 29 at the high school, 195 E. Jamestown St. Entrants are encouraged to dress in costume. Registration runs from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The entry fee is $20 (free for children 4 years old and younger). Those who register by Oct. 3 are guaranteed a medal and t-shirt. Those who register by Oct. 17 are guaranteed a t-shirt. Registration also will be accepted the day of the race. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes.
Entry forms are available for download online at southeasternlibrary.wix.com/costume5k or at www.sels.us. Forms and entry fees should be mailed to the high school. Forms also are available at South Charleston village hall, where payments can be made in person.
For more information or to be a sponsor, contact Bryn Dean at bdean@sels.us or (937) 462-8308. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, registration, guiding runners on the course, and working the water station.
