'Michelle's Memorial 5K' is Nov. 17

A new tradition will begin this month in Middleport.

"Michelle's Memorial 5K," a fundraiser for The Michelle A. Bewley Scholarship Fund, will take place Saturday, Nov. 17. The race kicks off at 9 a.m. (8 a.m. registration) at the Middleport firehall, 28 Main St., and continues along the Erie Canal before returning.

In 2006, Michelle, then 29, passed away as the result of a car accident. Later that year, her family started a scholarship fund in her name. A monetary scholarship was presented to one Royalton Hartland High School graduating senior.

Although the exact requirements of the scholarship vary from year to year based on participation, the goal remains the same: to reward a student who has taken part in music and sports, excelled academically, and shown heart both on and off the field. In other words, the scholarship recognizes Roy-Hart students who share Michelle's traits.  

On race day, awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners, and to the top three finishers in the following age groups: 9 and under, 10 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 and up. Food will be provided to participants at a post-race gathering.

Registration forms are available here (click to DOWNLOAD a PDF), and can be returned to 5432 Royalton Center Road, Middleport, NY 14105. For more information, contact Brooke Yaiser at this email address.