A beautiful, sunny day greeted participants in the annual 9/11 Memorial 5K, held on September 8 in honor of Stephen Ward. The event continues to have an incredible turnout within the community, and beyond, to support the Ward family in their efforts to carry on Stephen’s name through a scholarship.

The race, now in its ninth year, has generous sponsors, donors and runners who return year after year to honor Stephen Ward, who lost his life on that fateful day in 2001. It is a day of remembrance, sharing stories of what once was, and catching up with Stephen’s old friends. Katie Ward, Stephen’s sister, said the family “rides the high” of seeing these old friends on this day, saying it is healing for their family.

Katie shared a special connection to this year’s race winner, Andrew Jenkins of Freeport. He is the son of Stephen’s GHS basketball coach, Kevin Jenkins (now of Memphis, TN). Kevin and his wife Kathy were in town and they both placed in the top two of their age brackets.

The race begins with an early send-off of local firefighters. This year over a dozen were in attendance. Katie Ward’s daughter, Marin Graham, sang the national anthem at the start of the race.

Joni Hancock, of Hollis, shared her experience as a runner on the race Facebook page. Hancock said they tell you that you will pass the firefighters along the route as you run/jog/walk. She said what they don’t tell you, is the firefighters split to both sides of the road in straight lines so you run through them; flags held high, marching on with around 70 pounds of gear, carrying hose, axes, water cans, halogen tools and other equipment.

In her heart-wrenching description of this Hancock said, “As I came around the corner, I could smell their gear, not an unfamiliar scent as a fire wife, but it hit me different this time, tears stung my eyes and all I could think was 343….343….343.” Three hundred and forty three… the number of first responders that died on 9/11. “It was something to see,” she said.

The race, which raised over $7,000, represents the coming together of a community; much like the country did on September 12, 2001. Stephen’s legacy continues to live on through this event, and each year, one deserving GHS senior will receive a $3,500 scholarship to help with college expenses.